Seizing the Bonus Day: Me-Time on Leap Day
With every leap year, we're handed a bonus day, so how do we want to embrace this extra time that comes every four years? This idea sparked while I was listening to Erica and Kelsey from The Girl Next Door podcast sharing their intentions for 2024. Kelsey, known for taking her birthday off every year, declared her plans to add three days off in 2024, with February 29th being one of them. "We get by without it every other year!" she exclaimed, extending an open invitation for others to join in, and I took a leap of faith (pun intended).
The Planning:
This notion of taking leap day off sounded great until I realized the work commitments I had for that day, so I shelved the idea. But, as fate would have it, last-minute changes freed up my schedule, paving the way for me to break away from the routine and indulge in a day of Me Time. With minimal time for planning, I cleared my personal calendar, except for carpool pick-up/drop-off and my already scheduled pedicure appointment (a touch of self-care that seemed fitting for my day). I did a quick self-inventory to set an intention for my leap day. I decided I wanted the day to be about slowing down, not worrying about household chores or work, doing something out of routine, and making my interests a priority. I thought about what would help me recharge, and I decided to spend a solo day making fitness, reading, and slowing down a priority for leap day.
The Execution:
Leap day dawned with all the promise of a freshly popped champagne bottle. No to-do lists, no obligations between the hours of 8 and 3—just me and 5 hours of pure possibility for some me-time! After I dropped off my daughter at school, I nestled back into bed with a stack of books and my favorite tea—a luxury I rarely allow myself. Instead of my usual "finish one book at a time," I just blissfully browsed each one.
Next up? A spontaneous decision led me to a warm yoga class—a refreshing change from my usual routine. I had been wanting to get back to taking hot yoga classes but hadn't made it a priority. Leap day was the perfect opportunity to do so! A quick Google search led me to a nearby studio offering a "warm yoga" class (who knew that was even a thing?), and before I knew it, I was attempting a split in the Hanumanasana pose.
With my chakras aligned and my muscles stretched, I hit the streets for a caffeine-fueled stroll. Armed with a cappuccino and my favorite podcast, I wandered aimlessly (ignoring my pace and the miles walked), soaking up the sunshine, before my much-needed pedicure session.
But wait, there's more! After my pedicure, I treated myself to a yummy meal at my favorite café, savoring each bite while I read. And to cap it all off? An impromptu ice cream date with my daughter after pick-up and a visit to grandma's house.
Reflections and Revelations:
Looking back on my leap day off experience, I've realized a few things. First off, spontaneity is the spice of life—but a dash of pre-planning can add some flavor too. Not every day off will look the same; taking the time to ask yourself how you're feeling and what you need will go a long way. A little bit of planning will ensure you enjoy the day off your way and do things that you want to do. Here's homework for you - make a running list of things you want to do on your day off, just like Laura Vanderkam's idea of making a list of 100 dreams. This way, you can refer back to it as you’re planning your day off.
Secondly, self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. At the end of the day, I was filled with a renewed sense of energy. I felt the difference in my energy levels at the end of the night, which was a sign that my leap day intention was fulfilled. I'll be taking an intentional me-day off soon, and I definitely won't wait for another leap day to do it. What would you do on your day off?
