Do We Remember the True Meaning of Labor Day

Why was Labor Day invented?

Labor Day came about because workers felt they were spending too many hours and days on the job. Surprisingly, many politicians and business owners were actually in favor of giving workers more time off. That’s because workers who had no free time were not able to spend their wages on traveling, entertainment or dining out. Common misconceptions The common misconception is that since Labor Day is a national holiday, everyone gets the day off. Nothing could be further from the truth. While the first Labor Day was created by striking, the idea of a special holiday for workers was easy for politicians to support. It was easy because proclaiming a holiday, like Mother’s Day, costs legislators nothing and benefits them by currying favor with voters. In 1887, Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey all declared a special legal holiday in September to celebrate workers. Have we lost the spirit of Labor Day?

Today Labor Day is no longer about trade unionists marching down the street with banners and their tools of trade. Instead, it is a confused holiday with no associated rituals. The original holiday was meant to handle a problem of long working hours and no time off. Although the battle over these issues would seem to have been won long ago, this issue is starting to come back with a vengeance, not for manufacturing workers but for highly skilled white-collar workers, many of whom are constantly connected to work. This type of strain on our brain and faculties can drain our brains and body's of our resources needed to maintain optimal cognition as we age. If you work all the time and never really take a vacation, start a new ritual that honors the original spirit of Labor Day. Give yourself the day off. Don’t go into work. Shut off your phone, computer and other electronic devices connecting you to your daily grind. Then go to a barbecue, like the original participants or enjoy a Neurosize session and entertain your brain with a friend or family member and enjoy it in the true spirit of the day together!

Enjoy a FREE Neurosize session on Labor Day!

We are offering free sessions all day Labor Day to commemorate and honor our workforce. Contact us to schedule you, a family member, friend or loved one the complimentary 30-minute, virtual session. Call or text 479-856-8491.