Earth Hour – Slowing Down and Enjoying ‘Me’ Time

We live in a rat race.  We are always on the go and we are always wired up – texting, emailing, listening to the latest over the wire – surrounded by a constant buzz.  Powering off may be a good stand for the environment during Earth Hour, but it is as equally a good stand for human health.  We need to take time to just be, to enjoy time to ourselves and relish in the serenity of non-electronic peace and quiet.  And yes, you can do this with a friend, but time to yourself is important too.  No, it’s not just important, it is a necessity and many of us forget that.

My Point?  Don’t be afraid of using Earth Hour as an excuse for some ‘me’ time tonight. A few ideas on how you can pass the time for an hour, all alone without any electronics:

1. Give yourself a relaxing pedicure (and yes gentlemen, you can do this too – you’d be surprised at just how relaxing this is).
2. Wallowing in a steaming hot bubble bath with candles and your favourite beverage.
3. Decorate your living room in candles and curl up with a good book.
4. Write or draw in an actual, physical journal under candle light (you’d be shocked at just how therapeutic this is).
5. If you have a fireplace, light a fire and watch the flames dance.
6. Hunker down with some knitting or something else crafty that you can do by candlelight.
7. Solving a puzzle by candlelight or playing solitaire.
8. Sitting out on the deck with your favorite bevie and a blankey to listen to sounds of the night and enjoy the night sky.

Remember Earth Hour is from 8:30 – 9:30 pm tonight (March 27, 2010), so power down and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.  And don’t be afraid to find excuses to do this on a more regular basis, even if it isn’t Earth Hour.  It’s healthy.