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Life isn’t always easy. Between busy schedules, peer pressure and a tendency to over-commit, many of us wind up with very little time for ourselves. This can lead to serious medical conditions like boredom, crankiness and strop. Sometimes all you need to do to reset the balance is take a pause for the cause and do something truly enjoyable – even if it’s just for an afternoon.

While you may normally equate fun times with hanging out with your friends, solitude can be the fastest route to achieving peace of mind and body. When no one else is clamouring for your attention, it enables you to really focus on your own needs. Consider cutting off the rest of the world for a bit – turn your phone on airplane mode and log out of Twit-face-stagram (that way you can still play Candy Crush if necessary). Your friends will still be there tomorrow.

Find a comfortable environment. If you’re a nature person, it’s probably best to turn to the great outdoors in your search for serenity. You may prefer a cosy nook in your house (e.g. your bed). Wherever it is, ensure that you are happy with the level and type of ambient noise. If you like music, headphones or a good sound system should be nearby. If it’s birdsong or silence you’re after, head to a garden/ park. Or Mosgiel.

Your choice of activity (or lack thereof) during this time is a very personal one. Doing nothing at all can be very relaxing, especially if you’re always on the go. Some people like to cut loose by engaging in physical activity. Take a stroll, go for a swim or maybe shoot some hoops if the mood strikes you. If not, certain sedentary activities can reap similar rewards. Try to select pursuits that are relatively constructive and a little bit novel. You may be tempted to spend the whole afternoon catching up on your favourite TV show, but let’s face it – you’re gonna end up doing that anyway. That being said, if it’s what you really want to do, who am I to stop you?

There is no correct way to enjoy your afternoon. This guide is intended as just that: a guide. When you resolve to set aside some time for enjoyment, it will soon become evident what you really feel like doing. Don’t resist it, just let go and treat yourself. There may not be any moonbeams lying around for you to fondle, but I guarantee that you’ll find something to scratch that itch. And for God’s sake, stay away from drugs/ alcohol – you really don’t need them today.