This Labor Day, Celebrate Spontaneity!

Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer and a day to celebrate American workers. The first Monday in September is a prime day for retailers while fashionistas say it’s the last day to wear white clothing.

As America transformed itself into an industrial society, factory workers toiled for 60 to 70 hours a week without time off. There was widespread interest in reducing work hours and getting days off. New York City unions held the first Labor Day in 1882 by calling a one-day strike. Workers paraded together to show labor solidarity and gathered at a park afterward for picnics and political speeches.

Modern Labor Day is not a day off for all workers. Instead, technology seems to have people connected to work 24/7.

Here at QOL we suggest doing something healthy and spontaneous with your family and BFFs this Labor Day weekend:

• Take a staycation. Wander around your town as if you were a tourist. Check out places you haven’t had time to explore.
• Research your family roots. Gather photographs, recall memories, and chat with extended family. Start a binder and family tree.
• Go camping in the backyard. Pitch a tent, blow up air mattresses, set up a fire pit. Enjoy the outdoors, roast marshmallows and make s’mores!
• Create a family cookbook. Assemble favorite recipes and make a meal together in the kitchen.
• Start a fall garden. Plan and prepare the site together as a family. Growing your food will reap the benefits for months to come.
• De-clutter the house. Make it a fun challenge and gather things to donate, sell or toss. Uncover memories and long forgotten treasures.
• Bake cookies with your kids. Share them with those who serve the community like firefighters, police officers or the letter carrier.
• Donate time as a family to demonstrate compassion for others. Find opportunities to assemble care packages for the active military, prepare food boxes for the needy, assist at an animal shelter, or serve meals to others on Labor Day.
• Learn a new sport or activity together. A flag football game, bowling, and board games are great ways to bond.
• Search for constellations & stars. Trek to a high point away from city lights to view the night sky or visit a planetarium and learn about our universe.
• Create a time capsule and bury it in the backyard. Select things that would be interesting to find10, 20, or 30 years later. Add a personal message and use a container that can withstand the elements.
• Have a back-to-school potluck or barbecue. It is a great way to meet children and families that your youngsters will be interacting with at school.
• Create a mini-Olympics competition at home. Make award medals. Invite children of family and friends to participate. Think of fun active sports like: skateboarding, basketball hoops, table tennis, badminton, and foot races.
• Make something for your home. Create one-of-a-kind family art with poster board, family members’ handprints using washable tempera paints, and a little artistic creativity.
• Take a day trip. The randomness of a spontaneous road trip can rev up the brain and put a new perspective on everything else. It’s good to unplug from daily habits like texting, surfing the web, and watching television.
• Make time for a local hike or bike ride. Moderate exercise is beneficial for all ages and abilities. A 20 to 30 minute daily walk or ride improves overall well-being and fuels energy levels.

We all know people who work all the time, are tethered to their phones, and don’t take vacations. It is time to remember the spirit of this weekend. Give yourself the OK to disconnect, recharge and relax. Go the barbecue and indulge one day. But take time for some healthy pursuits and bond with your BFFs and family. It’s one weekend out of the year.

Happy Labor Day!