I like to think of myself as kind of an expert in the fine art of lounging. Lounging doesn’t come easy to everyone, I know some who have to work hard to lounge but fortunately for me, lounging has always come easy. I remember one summer day in-between my 6th and 7th grade year when I managed to lay on the floor in the same spot in front of a teenie weenie black and white TV for seven hours straight. It was beautiful. Never once did I leave my spot. I couldn’t get enough of “Password”, “Concentration”, “What’s My Line”, “Bewitched”, “Gomer Pyle”, “That Girl” and more. Today, many many years later, I still have a great feeling remembering that day. No guilt, no “wasting my life” angst, none of it. Just pure happiness. And things haven’t changed that much today. My TV has just gotten bigger, better and is now in glorious color. Oh, and has a zillion more choices but given the chance at a channel from 1968 TV, I might still choose that one today.
Back to the fine art of lounging. Lounging is simply plopping yourself down in a comfy spot and not leaving it. There is a little preparation required for ultimate lounging. You need a few basics, any of the following pieces of furniture (or just floor, beach or grass) will do nicely depending on your preference: a great chair, a great soft rug with pillow, a great bed with stacks of pillows, a great sofa that fits you just right, a lounge chair, hammock, or blanket if you prefer to do your lounging outdoors. Lounging is not about good posture, it’s about slunking into your chair, and it’s about sprawling on your bed, ground or sofa. Lounging is having your legs hanging over sides of furniture or propped on pillows. Perfect lounging is actually about not being perfect.
Clear the way for your perfect lounge time and space. Get the lighting just right. Soft or dim for TV/DVD watching or music listening, stronger for reading. Surround your lounge space with things you love. Perhaps candles, flowers, TV, music, books, newspapers, magazines, laptop, DVD’s, your phone, iPod and of course your remotes. Food and drink are also very important elements to perfect lounging. Whatever your comfort food or drink might be, have it accessible. Remember the first rule of lounging is: NO GETTING UP! So we have now covered the required furnishings and space for proper lounging. We’ve covered the props. Let’s get down to another particular expertise of mine, what to wear when lounging. I began my pajama business www.ThePajamaCompany.com four years ago because I love to lounge and because I love to lounge in pajamas. Something told me that I wasn’t the only one with these quirky loves. I know now that there are thousands just like me who love their lounging and who love their pajamas. To be a happy lounger requires comfortable clothing. I love pajamas because of the great fabrics, the fun prints, the drawstring waist, the comfy tee shirt tops or menswear type tops but that’s just me. The point is to be totally comfortable. Be it sweat pants, boxers, robes, footed pajamas, nightshirts, workout shorts, swimwear, oversized shirts or nothing at all, comfort is key. You may have that favourite tee shirt that always makes you happy; by all means throw it on for your perfect lounge. Again, the key is comfort so work hard to find what is truly comfortable for you.
I’ve discussed here the “things” required for perfect lounging but let me say for many “nothing” might be all that is required for perfect lounging. The thing about lounging is that for some, perfect lounging might just be grabbing that feeling of quiet and calm. It might be lying on the perfect sofa with closed eyes clearing the cobwebs of the day, the week, the month and finding a place of calm and creativity. Lounging can be the place where great ideas brew. When in a world of noise, stress and turmoil…the perfect lounge might just be a totally quiet place. Doing “nothing” may take some work at first but work you must because truly doing “nothing” for even 10 minutes is perfect lounging.
Is it OK to nap while lounging you ask? The answer is yes. A power nap (anywhere from 2 minutes to 20 minutes) has proven health benefits including lower stress, cell repair, heart health, improved memory and mood. Ever notice how fresh ideas seem to bubble up after a nap? So if you nod off during your lounging, not a problem. Let your mind and body rest.
Lounging isn’t just about “me” time mind you, it can be “us” time at its very best. Perfect family moments can happen while lounging. A family TV or movie “Pajama Day” is an event I have long promoted. “Pajama Days” are Lounge Events. Get the kids involved in planning the perfect “Pajama Day” and see how many hours you can lounge. (Remember my record is seven.) Lounge Events promote family fun and take away a little of the day to day stress from one and all. Desperate for date ideas? Make it a “Movie Night” a “TV Night”, again a Lounge Event. Pull out that DVD and watch episode after episode of your favourite old TV show. The beauty of old TV series is that the show takes you back to your childhood, the show brings back memories and fun. Old Disney movies are always winners as well. We’ve all had that favourite Disney movie that came along in our childhood. Put it on and sing along with every song. You will love it. Again, the perfect Lounge Event.
So here’s to the art of perfect lounging. Follow my tips and you will only have lounging success.
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