Sabbath Crash

A little encouragement for those feeling weird today

Apr 01, 2024

When you’re in the midst of a busy season of work, it’s normal to daydream about a day off. I certainly do this.

So why does it feel so bad when I get to that day off?

I can feel the unease in myself when I finally wake up on that much awaited time for rest and I immediately see something that needs tending to. I should probably touch up the paint in the bathroom, and catch up on my lesson invoices, and go for a run, and take care of the hedge that needs trimming.

Today is Easter Monday, the unofficial holiday for clergy everywhere. I was in services the past four days. You’d think that’d set up an easy day of rest and ease. Not so.

First, I actually still have to work my other job today.

Second, even if I didn’t, hitting stop after all that activity doesn’t always feel as great as it seems it should. I call it the Sabbath crash, but people talk about this in all sorts of ways. Another favorite way of describing this that I’ve found is relaxation remorse. It’s a well documented occurrence.1

It’s apparent normal to feel weird on days off, no matter how much work has led to them. Knowing this has helped me tremendously. It allows me to feel jittery and then do what I can to let that pass. On these days off (or kind of days off) here’s what I do to help:

Set my phone somewhere I can’t get to it. I often read books on my phone via the Libby app but I try to use paper books or my ereader on days off.
Go outside and go for a walk.
Play piano. It’s an activity I can’t multitask while doing. When you play piano that’s pretty much it.
Play a new video game. Like playing piano, trying something new takes more focus and attention and draws me away from work thoughts.
Leave my house. I’m an introvert homebody, but staying in my home can often mean just looking at all the housework. If I leave I can’t see it!

Blessings on your day off, whenever that might fall.