When was the last time you had a day off just for you? A day where you relaxed, had fun, de-stressed, even spoiled yourself a bit and felt refreshed at the end of it!
Well you’ve landed on the ultimate guide to ensure you get the most out of your day off.
We’re all different, so some of us might not need to take every step that’s suggested in the guide below. Not a problem. Just skip over that step and move onto the next one!
Why do we need a guide for a day off, you may ask? Well, let’s be honest. How many of you have said you’ll have a day off, but never got around to it? There’s lots of reasons or excuses why! Something else came up; you couldn’t decide what to do; someone dropped in and stayed for the day; there was too much housework/chores to get done; on and on the list goes.
If you’re anything like me I find days off challenging, especially when I haven’t planned anything. I have a free day in front of me and, often I get to the end of it feeling frustrated because I’ve wasted the day! I don’t feel relaxed, satisfied or peaceful. Why, because I can’t get over the feeling that “there’s something I should be doing”.
Well, the something I should be doing, is having a day off! I’ve learned that as I plan for my day off, I’m more prepared for it.
There are lots of reasons why having a day off is good for you:
- It helps you to unwind from the busy-ness of life and de-stress. (Have a look at this article from Harvard Medical School about needing to de-stress: <https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/5-ways-to-de-stress-and-help-your-heart> )
- You feel refreshed and energised after a day off.
- You can be more productive after a day off.
- It gives you time to finally do some of the things you’d really love to do, when you had some time…
- You can catch up on some sleep!
These are just a few reasons why a day off is good for you.
So where do you start planning your day off:
- Set aside a day. This can be easier said than done, but it is worth the effort of choosing a day and sticking to it. Don’t let anything change your day off – (if something urgent comes up, then make sure you book another day straight away). Put it in your diary/planner/calendar or write it up clearly on some paper and stick it on your fridge! This is your day off! If you’re sharing this day off with someone else, or with your family, make sure they stick to it too! If you’re wanting to set aside a regular day off, then set that in your planner and let people know about it too!
- Decide what you want your day off to be. Is it going to be a relaxing day or a day where you get out and explore? Work out how much of your day you want to have planned out with things to do and how much time you want to “chill out” reading, or watching a movie, etc. If you are sharing your day off with your family, maybe plan to have a few hours where everyone does their own thing at home before doing things together.
- Do any research into things you want to do. If you want to go and wander around a market or check out some new shops or wineries, find out what times they’re open and how best to get there. Maybe there’s a movie you’d love to see at the theatre – check out which theatre you’d like to go to and what session times are best.
- Are there some things you need for your day off? If you’re planning a picnic or day at the beach, you may want to get the food as a part of your weekly shopping or pick up some of the fresh food the day before you go. If you’re having a day of pampering, maybe you need to pick up a couple of facial masks to put on, or some supplies for a scrummy breakfast you can take back to bed for you. Or you might need to pick up the latest book from your favourite best-selling author, that you’ve been looking forward to reading.
- You’re almost there. The night before, check that you’re all set. If any last-minute changes need to be made, that’s okay, just adjust things. You can still have a great day – even if the weather changes your plan!!
- Enjoy your day off. Take a deep breathe and enjoy each part of your day off. Stop and smile. Remember, you deserve this day off and it will help you in lots of ways. You’ll feel more relaxed and have some more energy!
It may seem like a lot of work to get ready for a day off, but the truth is, the more you get into the rhythm of planning for it, the easier it is.
It is important for us all to have a day off each week, if we can plan it. You’ll soon see the benefits from it and be able to face the rest of your week a lot more.
Why not try it and see?