My Day of Rest

Do you have a day of the week that you look forward to? Is it a day you have off from work, or a day you spend with loved ones?

I assume most people would choose either a Saturday or Sunday to be their favorite day. The weekend is when most family activities or events are held. Even when people are scheduled to work, they still try to enjoy what they can of the weekend.

In my case, I prefer Mondays over any other day of the week. This is going against the norm, and I understand how crazy this sounds, yet it makes perfect sense to me.

Weekend activities wear me out

If you have been keeping up with my articles, you will recall that I do not work outside of my home. I have been on disability for around 12 years. Safety is a big concern for my narcolepsy and my cataplexy. My husband is the only one that works a full-time job and works a Monday through Friday schedule. Everything we plan is on the weekend. Not only do we plan fun things, but we also run errands that I am unable to do on my own since I struggle with driving.

I get completely worn out when we are active on Saturdays and Sundays. I try to keep up and I am usually pretty good at faking it until I make it. I try to keep my confusion to myself when I feel a blanket of tiredness come on. I will take a 15-minute power nap while we are driving; however, I try to curb my naps so I can spend time with my husband. I also drink more caffeine than I normally do, in hopes of staying alert and awake longer.

Mondays are MY days

I have been on a high protein and low carb diet, and I stick to it strictly during the week. When my spouse is home, he likes to treat us to sweets and different foods I normally do not eat. I know I can pick and choose what I eat, yet I find myself cheating a bit and enjoying the same foods he likes to eat. When I switch my diet up, my body takes a couple of days to get back to normal.

Mondays are MY days. I do not plan any appointments or activities for this day. This is my day of rest! I nap when I need to and take the day to recharge. I am also careful about what I eat, since my body is recovering from the weekend choices.

Don't be afraid to take time for yourself

Most of my family and friends know that this is the day I am unavailable. Sure, I can be reached through text or social media, but for the most part, people give me the day to concentrate on myself.

I had to explain in detail why this day is important to me, and some people chose to believe me, and some chose not to. I’m OK with that, though. I have a rare condition, and it is not easy for some people to understand. All I can do is try my hardest to communicate and educate my loved ones.

Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself! We are of no use to the people around us if we are not taking care of ourselves as well!