The joy of scheduling an unscheduled resting day is not to be underestimated. Rosie Green shares her guilt-free tips.

Like iceberg lettuce and skinny brows, in recent times rest has become unfashionable. In the dominant work-hard, play-hard culture there’s no allowance for downtime. Chilling has been out and a diary more packed than the PM’s worn like a badge of honour. But now, in 2023, we are starting to realise rest is crucial for our mental and physical health. Research shows that without it we suffer from illness, inflammation and dissatisfaction. Creativity, immunity and productivity drops, while stress levels increase. Plus, resting is pleasurable. Like good food and long hugs, it’s one of the things that makes life worth living.

Which brings us to duvet days. I’m all for them. A hunker down, please yourself, relax and recharge stretch of time.

The rules? You shouldn’t be ill (that’s a sick day) and you need to actively rest. Don’t scroll, don’t do admin, don’t catch up with a few friends. Oh, and remember duvet days are best taken solo, when everyone is out (pets are allowed). This is about focusing on you and relinquishing responsibility for the day.

Have some nourishing food at the ready. Surround yourself with pleasingly beautiful things – flowers in a bud vase, a flickering candle. Envelop yourself in feel-good fabrics – a cosy throw on the sofa or a silk pair of pyjamas. Read some magazines. Or a book. Try and steer away from screens. Hell, you could even get into bed (fresh sheets, please) mid-afternoon for a snooze. And autumn is an ideal time to do this. Recover from the back-to-work craziness and prep for the party season ahead.

Still feeling guilty? You could argue a duvet day is a strategic move that will enhance performance. But that would be missing the point…

Rosie Green’s book, How To Heal A Broken Heart, and her podcast, Life’s Rosie, are available now. Follow her on Instagram @lifesrosie.