If you were anything like me growing up, one of the greatest experiences of childhood was playing hooky from school. Can you remember how great that feeling was just to forsake your responsibilities for the day - no stress. Well there is actually a fair amount of scientific evidence regarding the benefits of playing hooky. It can lower your cortisol (stress hormone), decrease your blood pressure and increase your sense of well being.
Granted there are certain aspects of this that have to be considered. If you are going to stress the entire time about getting caught or if you will stress about the work that you are not completing then this can be counter productive. If this describes you then I have some advice. GET OVER IT! It is one thing to feel that you are good at what you do and irreplaceable at work but come on, enough of the self importance crap. It's not like you are President of the United States. Life and business will go on if you miss a day. Oh and I almost forgot, studies show that creative thinking goes up dramatically in people playing hooky - tell your boss.
Another good reason is defense against depression. Studies show that just getting out of town, does not matter whether for a week or a day, reduces symptoms of depression.
This Friday we are going to have the nicest day of the year here in Charleston, sunny and 70 degrees. Call in sick and get outside. Get the mountain bike out, go for a hike in the woods, take a short weekend out of town. Doctor's orders.
**do not post pictures or info on your hooky day on Facebook, your boss may be creeping.
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