National Goof Off Day 

By: Caleb Shaulis 

National Goof Off Day falls on March 22^nd. This day is meant for everyone to take a break from the stress of work and be lazy. Even though the day is a pseudo holiday why would some people rather do work on a day that is meant for relaxing? 

National Goof Off Day came from a 10-year-old named Monica Dufour, who had received help from her grandfather to create the day. The day was a national day from 1976 to 1982. On 1983 of March 22^nd the day became an international holiday. After Monica explained the holiday to a local newspaper who then wrote a paper about it, kicking off the day as a holiday. 

 Some ways to celebrate “Goof off day” include wearing pajamas for the entire day, watching goofy movies, hang out with family and friends, taking a break from doing chores for the day, taking a nap, read a book, playing a board game, or watching a show. The term “goof off” originated in 1929 and people used this term to describe someone who was not doing anything productive.  The word “goof” means to make a mistake or behave foolishly.  In the 1950’s, the term “goof off” was used as a slang word for a person who avoids work or slacks off. In the 1960’s, the term became associated with rebellion and counter culture.   

  Goofing off once in a while can have benefits such as reducing stress and improving mental health. During this day people could pick up a new hobby if nothing else strikes interest. The day can also help strengthen bonds with other people due to it being a light-hearted holiday. National Goof Off Day also allows for creativity to take place instead of being focused on work.  

  National Goof Off Day is meant for work to be sidelined and let the day be as fun and relaxed as possible. The day was made by a kid who disliked doing something every day of the year. The day shouldn’t be stressful or over bearing and should be more widely celebrated there are benefits for being goofy once in a while. 

Citations: daysoftheyear.com       nationaldaycalendar.com       whatnationaldayisit.com             nationaldayideas.com      holidaycalendar.io