Some may call them "mental health days." Do-Nothing Day started about four or five years ago. I was having great difficulty working and keeping my home together. I was physically and emotionally drained, and at risk. I was overwhelmed by everything that I thought I had to do.

Do-Nothing Days were born. They worked for me. Eventually I shared my idea with a few co-workers. After their regular days off work, they would come to work smiling like the cat that swallowed the canary. They would quietly say, "I had a do-nothing day".

What are Do-Nothing Days? They are days without a schedule and no guilt when you just enjoy yourself. Some ideas are as follows:
· Go back to bed in the afternoon to read, with a cup of tea (my favourite)
· Phone a friend for lunch, eat in or out.
· Cheat on your diet - a little. But with no guilt.
· Bake cookies for the family or cook an extra special meal for them. Go to a store you are interested in and just browse.
· Enjoy being you.

Do-Nothing Days have only one rule - well maybe three rules:
1. Enjoy being you
2. Be imaginative
3. Have a do-nothing day when you are feeling good.

Save the days that you are not feeling well and not coping. Have a Pity Pat Party, have these days by yourself or with an understanding friend. A Pity-Pat Party is just like a real party, surprising, quick, emotional and short- lived. Vent everything that has happened or is worrying you. Do this alone or share with a friend until you are all talked out. Then forget about it! The time you spend at your "party" can be a few minutes or a few hours. Both the "Do-Nothing Days" and the Pity-Pat Party" are healing tools.

This technique was shared with us by Marg (a fellow pain manager), who has found this has helped her learn how to cope with her life. She has a better quality of life, swimming everyday at the Retirement Resort. Great job Marg, keep hanging in there. Thanks for sharing with us.