This weekend is going to be a wet one, and as I pulled on my rain boots and open up my umbrella this morning, I was reminded of the value of forced relaxation.

What do I mean by that?

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Forced Relaxation is a potential that can arise at the times when we can’t do what was on the schedule due to outside forces, like rainy weather, catching a cold, or a store being closed that had the one tool we needed to finish a project.

If gardening, hiking, or mowing the lawn were in your plans for this weekend, they’re probably out now. So what to do instead? There’s always house work: dishes, laundry, organizing your shoes (some of us need this more than others!) … but why not take advantage of this rainy weather to regain some stamina? Why not relax into it or do something creative? Do you have a covered porch where you can sit outside and listen to the rain cozied up with a blanket and a book (and maybe a pet on your lap)? Or could you open a window for the same effect? Is there a movie you’ve been wanting to see, but just haven’t found the time to watch or a fun or relaxing project you’d like to finish indoors?

What do you think your weekend would look like if you kept your laptop closed and committed to a rejuvenating experience at home, no work, no surfing the web? Would you open up an old photo album? Would you bake a treat with your kids? Would you stay in bed an extra hour and listen to rain beating on the roof?

How often do you pause in those moments when the universe gives you a sign that it’s time to do so? How can you take advantage of the grey skies this weekend?

Share your plans by commenting below. Someone reading might appreciate it!