Those who are close to me know that I’m somewhat of a neat freak. Things I like:
- Order
- Organization
- Office supplies
Things I don’t like:
- Chaos
- Cooking
- Carpooling (okay, maybe just being the driver…)
Long story short, I could spend my entire monthly budget on cute organizers at Target to help me pretend my life is together. Spoiler alert: it still isn’t.
Normally, it would drive me crazy to lie in bed at night knowing I still need to sweep, wipe the counters and do the dishes. Many nights, I just give up and go do them.
But tonight, I’m leaving dishes in the sink. I’m lighting a candle and grabbing a book. I’m wrapping up my night of rebellion by eating Halo Top ice cream in bed and falling asleep watching Law and Order: SVU.
In the back of my mind, there are so many ‘more productive’ things I should be doing instead. Many of us have been taught that the busier we are, the more productive we are.
But getting out of our normal routine is productive. It gives our brain a much-needed chance to r e l a x.
According to Harvard Health, “pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, or volunteering for a project at work that involves a skill you don’t usually use can function the same way and help improve memory.”
So tonight, follow my lead and leave the dishes in the sink.
Pick up a book, go for a walk, watch the sunset, do yoga, binge watch your feel-good show, call your mom.
Because we’ll never think back on our lives and be grateful for the dishes we cleaned and the laundry we folded. We’ll remember the times we laughed so hard we cried, the beautiful places we’ve seen, and the people who were with us on our best and our worst days.
And if you’re like me, don’t worry, the dishes will still be there in the morning.
