filed in Daily Life
Worry-Free Zone
I’m writing this post on a late Friday afternoon, as I approach my weekly 24-hour worry-free day. Years ago, I began this practice on the advice of a Rabbi to whom I’m eternally grateful, for expanding the idea of the Sabbath, and what it means to really take a day of rest. It’s not that I’m able to stop anxious thoughts, but for this 24-hour block, I don’t give them any oxygen. I highly recommend it.
Illustration by Mali Fischer
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Can you say more about the 24-hour worry-free day? What kinds of things to do you, etc.? Thanks!!
I’d like to know more about this, too. I’m trying to take a COMPLETE day off work at least once per week, but I’ve faltered somewhat (i.e. I’ve checked work email).
Stay away from the work email. It requires discipline, but Petra, I know you have that.
For starters, I couple it with taking that day off from work. I try not only to not work on that day (sorry for the double negative), but also to not problem solve about work. It takes practice, but it’s such a relief.
I’d like to know more too. Oh, a worry- free day sounds so divine!
I’ll admit it’s a construct. But it really, really works. When it was first explained to me the Rabbi said, after the 24 hours, you can always pick up the worrying where you left off. But somehow, the load gets lightened. Even if you start with a worry-free “hour,” I’m sure you’d reap the benefits.