The Art of a True "Slug" Day

​by Skip Cohen

It's Sunday and Reflections is rarely about marketing and business. It's my time to get a little more personal than usual, and it's even become therapeutic. This morning, I'm doing a short brain dump on one way to deal with life's challenges...when the timing is right.

I've written about "Slug Days" in the past. It's an expression I picked up from Sheila that is defined as a day when the only priority is to chill and pretty much do whatever you feel like. It's just a lazy day with time to pause and appreciate life.

The need for a "Slug Day" is always based on those periods we all go through when things are overwhelming. It comes out of those days and weeks when you feel like you've done nothing but fight dragons. Those times when, day after day, things just don't go as you anticipated, or you just took on too much at once. The result is overload. Just before you crash and burn, the idea of a "Slug Day" glows in front of you like the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign!

Need a "Slug Day?" Here are a few guidelines for our house:

• It all starts with recognizing it's time for a day of R&R. But with recognition comes a commitment to step away from the challenges. It's not always easy, but with practice, it's no more complicated than pushing the pause button on a video.
• Hang out a "Do Not Disturb" sign!
• Find a brainless movie—for us, it'll be no more thought-provoking or emotionally charged than "Expendables." 
• Great music! Alexa will be working overtime today, playing music throughout the house.
• Time together: If there's somebody special in your life, they become a priority. For example, my computer will be shut down once I'm done with today's post. Sheila and the pups take priority.
• Grazing is a necessity for us. We're foodies, and we're already thinking about what culinary craziness is on the menu.
• No Worry Zone: Our house is off-limits to any negativity. We're simply putting anything that creates stress on the back burner.

And here's the number one rule: Smile more bitch less...actually there's no bitching allowed.

Here's my point—learn to recognize when you need to take a break. It's like the airlines telling you to put on your oxygen mask first to help others traveling with you. Your heart and soul are the priority; taking a "Slug Day" is one way to recharge them.

Wishing all of you a perfect day ahead...if you need a "Slug Day," just take it! A true "Slug Day" requires virtually no advance preparation except a few deep breaths, a smile, and the recognition that nothing is as important as happiness. It's all in your perspective, and if there's somebody special in your life, it starts with one of those eleven-second hugs I always write about.

We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.
Abraham Lincoln

Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world.