I knew I was getting run down, but there were external signs, too. Like my boss at Day Job telling me no less than three times as the work week wrapped up, “Rest this weekend!”
I was even advised “Sit on the couch and play a video game! Or watch some television!”
…Which brings up an interesting question, as I sit here catching my breath between loads of laundry: What do you do to rest?
I did rest, by the way. I even skipped weightlifting and took two naps! I even plan to spend some time ignoring the beta reader feedback I ought to be reading, and will instead curl up in a sunbeam with a Terry Prachett I haven’t read in a decade, so it’ll almost be like a new book to me!
The fact that I had to come up with this plan after my Calmer Half forbade me mopping the house just proves that I’m bad at resting. Clearly, I need some literary role models, since I’m ignoring the real-life examples around me.
What do you have your characters doing for downtime, and R&R?
Mad Genius Club 
9 responses to “Out sick”
That is an interesting question to add to my “character development process” list. Much more useful than some I’ve seen asking about favorite color or song. Not only gives them actual actions to perform rather than just sitting around like mopes, but can speak to questions about culture, resources, emotional state, etc.
Actually sick? Read children’s books
Choosing good music is important, soothing, but uplifting in most cases. Simple foods that are easy to fix. Open the doggie door so they can let themselves in and out. If it’s cold, turn the heater up more. Watch a movie on the computer. Let myself go slower on chores, or even skip some.
If you are reading this comment you are not resting.
We know she’s not resting because she’s Doing the Laundry! Just thinking about folding clean laundry causes me stress.
For me it’s dishes which is a shame because dishes are there on a daily basis.
When my characters need to rest? Isn’t that when they have to act now to save the World?
IRL? Either zone out with Free Cell or Japanese Rug Solitaire, or kick back in the recliner with a fuzzy blanket and think about the next scene I need to write.
My otherwise tomboyish heroine like to dress up in girly girl fashion and going dancing with an appreciative man. My hero is a workaholic who would probably say that any time spent with the heroine is relaxation.
For me, bookbinding, chilling with family watching anime, chilling with other family and watching French and Italian mysteries. Dressup games on the mobile phone.
Ordinary sleep-in mornings, uninterrupted by the needs/wishes/noises of dogs, husbands, and responsibilities… that gets it done for me, Alas, it’s not a common enough experience.
For various reasons, I track hours-slept (via Fitbit), and the results are alarming. I swear there’s a direct correlation between “sleep less than 7-8 hours” and IQ/temper, esp. at my age.