Most of us spend the bulk of our time working, doing chores, running errands and taking care of the people in our lives. All that running from pillar to post leaves very little time for you. If you seldom get time to do things for yourself, then this article is a must-read.
Taking upgroup fitness classesor a new hobby is a good start to self-care. But, have you put time aside to relax as well? Few people realise the importance of taking a day, or even a couple of hours, to just unwind and relax. And, no, a day off shouldn’t be time to catch up on chores or errands! Keep reading for some ideas of what you should be doing with time off.
Exciting Ideas to Help You Relax on Your Day Off
Depending on your work situation, days off may be few and far between. And, on the off chance that you actually have one, it’s usually needed to deal with a crisis or urgent matter. This can vary from kids’ dental appointments to waiting at home for a repairman to come and fix the issue of the week.
However, if you’re lucky enough to have an off day that doesn’t involve dealing with urgent problems, you shouldn’t waste it catching up on chores. Instead indulge in some fun things that will help you relax and simply catch your breath.
1. Have a Spa Day
If a spa day is something you can usually only dream of, it’s time to make your dream a reality. Setting a few hours aside to pamper yourself will have you feeling rejuvenated. Some pampering ideas that are cheap and effective include:
- A long, hot bubble bath
- Include a fruity face mask and a skin moisturiser
- Opt for a relaxing mani-pedi session and paint your nails in a bright and uplifting colour
- Wash your hair and leave the conditioner on for as long as you want to give your hair a well-deserved pampering
2. Catch-up on Your Reading
If you love reading but never seem to have the time to get around to it, your day off is the perfect time to catch up. If you have nothing to read, enjoy a visit to your local bookstore and restock your bookcase.
Switch things up a little bit and include some genres you wouldn’t ordinarily opt for.
3. Start Gardening
For many of us, gardening is only something we dream of as we drive past the beautifully manicured gardens on our way home from work. If you’ve always wanted to get stuck in creating something awesome in your garden, there’s no time like an idle day off to get started.
Start small by replanting plants in pots around your front door. You can also add one or two plants to your windowsills for a welcome change. Choose plants such as lavender, mint and citronella that add fragrance to your home but keep the mosquitoes away too!
4. Plan the Rest of Your Week
Since you’re so accustomed to running around, you may start feeling guilty if you’re standing still for too long. If that’s the case, you can always spend an hour or two planning the rest of your week.
This may include doing meal preps for the eating plan you’re trying to implement in your family’s lives. You could also arrange your next reformer Pilates classes to ensure you don’t neglect them once the usual routines start again after your day off.
5. Clean Your Devices
If you can’t bear to switch your devices off and unplug for the day, use time in your day to clear out your phone’s memory. Delete memes that you save for no reason and delete old contact numbers. Transfer your photos to your PC or cloud to avoid losing them.
6. Rekindle an Old Hobby
Whether you used to paint, do pottery or do nature photography, your day off is a good time to try your hand at it again. Not only will you be doing something relaxing, but you’ll be reconnecting with your creative side which is an excellent way to clear your mind of stressful issues.
7. Take an Online Class
These days you’ll find webinars and classes for almost anything—all online. So, do one you’ll enjoy. For example, if you enjoy cooking, consider spoiling yourself with an online class with celebrity chefs such as Gordan Ramsay.
Tip: Before your day off, research websites such as SkillShare that feature a host of different interactive online classes.
8. Zoom Call a Relative or an Old Friend
We all have people who are close to us, but that we never see. This can be due to distance or work schedules. Use some time on your day off for a Zoom call to catch up without being in a hurry.
Final Thought
In world where everything is faster and busier than ever before, it can sometimes be difficult to find time to relax and do something fun. Don’t feel guilty about indulging in some activities that help you unwind. Your body and your mind will thank you for the recharge!
