Gifts for Yourself: Get a Massage, Take a Class, Plan a Trip, and Other Great Ideas

Think about these statistics:
• A 40-hour work week means most people work 2000 hours per year.
• Preparation and commute time is generally 3 hours each work day.
• Americans work more hours than any other industrialized country.
• Americans fall last on the list in taking leisure time.
• Based on 7 hours of sleep, the average person sleeps 2550 hours per year.

Thinking about an average of 8500 hours in a year, and 60% of those hours spent on work and sleep, with the remaining percentage more than likely spent on loved ones, there's not much time left for oneself.

And that's okay - we make our choices to do in life what makes us feel good. But, at this time of the year, promise yourself one gift. These top ten may not be popular with everyone, but one of them might be right for you.

Here are the top ten ideas:

10 - Get a Massage
Some people get massaged on a regular basis, but most of us don't. If this is something that the hard-worker seldom does, it's time to take a breather and let the tension go. Massage not only feels darned good, it's excellent for the muscles and the circulation in the body, as well as the soul. If there's a massage school in the area, even better. Get two!

9 - Take A Class
Adult education classes abound in many communities and they frequently offer interesting and offbeat classes like loom weaving or soap making classes. It's not a huge commitment as these classes may run as a one-time class or sometimes for a few weeks up to ten weeks. They generally meet once a week in the evenings.

8 - Go Fishing
Okay, if it's January in Missouri and you do like ice fishing, then go for it. But, if it's a climate that permits, just do it. It's amazing what an unplanned day of fishing can do for the soul. And remember, the best gifts are those that are unplanned.

7 - Take A Random Day Off
As simple as this sounds, it will definitely be the best thing one can do for him or herself on a small level. Get ready as usual, don't tell anyone else the plan, and when it's time to go to work - just don't. Of course calling in is appropriate, but after that, stay home in pajamas and watch movies or go out shopping. Whatever you long to do, but usually don't.

6 - Plan a Trip
Even if the trip is planned for months in advance, there's something exciting and rejuvenating about planning it. Not a planner? Call the travel agent. Knowing that a trip is coming up kind of makes the work day worth it. A trip doesn't have to be 7 days/6 nights; a short weekend getaway is always nice, too.

5 - Buy a Piece of Jewelry
Common as it may sound, it's not. Has any of what you're wearing right now been an intentional gift for yourself? I'm not talking about the necklace you bought when you went to Europe last summer. Go out with a purpose and buy yourself an occasion gift. What's the occasion? You work hard and you deserve it.

4 - Buy a New Cologne
Let's face it, the only time we get cologne is on occasions. Christmas, birthday, Father's Day. And that's probably because it can be pricey if you buy the collection. Go ahead, buy it one Tuesday!

3 - Read or Write a Book
Who has time to read anymore? Exactly. Make time to enjoy a good yarn. Maybe it's 20 minutes on your lunch hour, or that quiet time in the morning with your coffee. Closet writer? Get it out and start working on it. You'll be dying to get through the work day to continue it. Treat yourself!

2 - Go to a Comedy Show
Life is full of problems that need to be solved and also full of those that can't be solved. They don't go away - until the comedy show starts, that is. When's the last time you saw live comedy? It's not the same as watching it on TV. Grab someone and get to a live comedy show and let the world disappear for an hour or two.

And, the number one best thing you can do for yourself is:

1 - Visit a Long Time Friend
Nothing soothes the soul and regenerates the spirit like visiting the friend you've known - and who also knows you - since grade school. Reminisce, have a few beers, play some rummy or whatever it is that makes your relationship what it is. Guys, this means you, too. When's the last time you called that ol' military buddy, or the friend you went in to business with years ago? Everyone should celebrate the people who have been a part of making them who they are today.