I was always nervous in the past about taking time off. Would it diminish the value of my work in people's minds? Would people believe I wasnt good at what I do? Would the time away affect my productivity results? I didn't want any of my clients or colleagues to think I wasnt available to them, never around.

But about four years ago (when I was still teaching high school students) something told me to try it...just once. Nothing could go wrong; it was just an experiment. So one day I took a Well Day. This was one of the best gifts I have ever given myself.

I now listen to my body and take a Well Dayor sometimes a Few Well Hours. I have become so good at this one move it has resulted in no colds, flues, you name it, for the last 2 years.

I still feel those sick signs

But here's the kicker

When I feel something coming on I put many of the preventive tactics Ive learned in place (including saying no, the toughest one I am still working on). That is how I ended up at the day spa this past Friday where I came up with a few more techniques anyone can put in place right from home-sweet-home.

So here are three lessons I learned from this whole spa-for-a-few-hours experience:

Dont be afraid to take time off. I dont just mean from being AT work, but just from being in work mode. Take one day where you dont answer your cell phone, dont check your email, dont go on-line and dont watch TV. You will be giving your body and your brain such a break youll feel like you have been away forever. If you get bored, stay with it; read a magazine, a book, look at art, go outdoors and take a long, long walk. Thats what people do at spas.

Dont be afraid to spend time by yourself. A client recently shared with me that her children had a sleep-over with a friend of hers. My client took the first candle lit bath she had taken in months and then crawled right into bed to read and go to sleep before 9PM. She woke feeling refreshed and her kids had a great time spending time with their favorite aunty. If you dont have children, just put yourself in bed before 9PM after following Tip #1. (Getting a proper nights sleep boosts the metabolism and assists with weight loss. THAT is worth missing a TV show once in awhile, yes?)

Start your day with a morning massage. When you wake up in the morning take a moment to lie on your back and breathe. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Feel your chest rise and fall. Then, stretch your arms over your head. Pretend someone has grabbed your hands and feet and is pulling in opposite directions. Stretch your hands up as far as you can and extend your torso. Feel your body lengthening. Keep your arms over your head and sit up slowly. Bend forward at the waist and try to grab your toes. Hold this forward bend for twenty seconds. Slowly lift up and lie on your back again. Bring your knees to your chest and wrap your arms around your knees, grabbing opposite forearms, or elbows if you can. Put your chin to your chest. Hold for twenty seconds. Youve just given yourself a morning massagefor your muscles and your organs. NOWit is time to get up.

Many of my past jobs told me not to take Sick Days; if I did, I obviously wasnt dedicated. I guess they were right about the Sick Days, but I'll always take Well Days isnt that what living is about?

Now, go plan your next Well Day!