11 Things to Do on Your Day Off to Really Recharge
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After a week of work, school and everything else scheduled into our busy lives, the weekend is the perfect time to recharge. Taking care of yourself is essential for your long-term health and success, but it doesn’t always mean binging on a Netflix series all day or sleeping in past noon.
I often face the dilemma of deciding how to spend my weekends, especially during this season when many of us prefer to stay cozy indoors. I can quickly feel guilty for not being very productive, but then experience burnout when my weekends are packed full of extra work.
The secret is to find balance between a productive and reenergizing day off. This might look different based on your lifestyle, job, etc., but everyone needs at least some self-care time. Whether you're wondering what to do on your day off alone, or seeking ideas for productive things to do on your day off, I've got you covered. Continue reading to learn how to make the most of your solo day off and refresh your mind and body.
11 Things to Do on Your Day Off to Really Recharge
1. Start with a Good Night's Sleep
There's no better way to start your day off right than by getting some extra sleep. Sleep is essential for your health and overall well-being. So, on your day off, set aside your alarm clock, turn off your phone notifications, and allow yourself to wake up naturally. A few extra hours of rest can make a world of difference.
While it's okay to occasionally sleep in on your day off from work or school, try not to oversleep excessively. Oversleeping can disrupt your sleep schedule and make it more challenging to get back on track during the workweek.
2. Practice Morning Mindfulness
If you're wondering what to do on your day off alone, consider incorporating mindfulness into your morning routine. Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises to center your thoughts, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity. Apps and online resources can provide guidance if you're new to meditation.
I've recently been starting my mornings with breathwork and meditation. To guide me with this practice, I've found the Open app to be incredibly useful. It offers a wide range of meditations, music, breathwork routines, and exercises to help you awaken both your mind and body. Typically, on weekdays, I dedicate about 5 to 10 minutes to some form of morning mindfulness, but on my days off, I try to take some extra time to the practice. I definitely recommend trying Open.
Read More: The Morning Manifestation Routine that Will Transform Your Life
3. Exercise
When our lives get busy, exercise seems to be the first thing we remove from our schedules. Doing something physical on the weekend is the perfect way to better our health and work on our bodies. You’ll feel super accomplished too! If you struggle to find motivation to exercise, try reserving your favorite podcasts/YouTube videos for your workout session. This strategy always gets me moving. You don't need an intense workout either; a gentle yoga session, a bike ride, or a simple walk can do wonders for your energy levels and mental health.
For the last year, I've been using Soul Sync Body for my pilates workouts, and it's been wonderful. It’s difficult to find nice pilates studios and gyms in my city in France, so I rely on online videos to guide my workouts. If you're a fan of pilates like, I highly recommend giving Soul Sync Body a try. Hot girl walks are also one of my favorite activities on my day off from work. I often enjoy a walk to my favorite coffee shop to grab a drink to-go as a little treat.
4. Volunteer
Consider spending a few hours of your day off helping others in your community. Giving your time to support the causes that you are passionate about will help you to make a difference to the people around you. Since I’ve been in abroad, it’s been difficult to find volunteering opportunities, but when I was in the United States, I volunteered at my local soup kitchen most weekends. It got me out of bed early every week and allowed me to support those in my city.
5. Connect with Others
Spend quality time with your family and friends. Many of us neglect spending time with friends and family during our busy weeks, but cultivating our relationships with others is incredibly important for our happiness and health. Grab a coffee with a loved one, invite them on a walk or if you’re unable to meet in person, send a message or call. Since I’m far away from my family, I always make it a priority to FaceTime with them every Sunday. Connecting with loved ones is such a meaningful way to recharge.
6. Read a Book
Instead of reaching for your screen, open a book and learn something new. Grab a cup of coffee and find a comfortable spot to read. The biggest tip that helped me become a bookworm is to read what you love to read! Don’t spend your time trying to read what doesn’t interest you for the sake of reading. I personally enjoy classic science fiction/dystopian novels and self-help books.
7. Indulge in Self-Care
Recharge your batteries by pampering yourself. Take a bubble bath, try a soothing facial treatment, or book a relaxing massage. Treating yourself to a little luxury can turn your solo day off into something truly special.
During the fall season, I find myself enjoying the art of bath time. I've been treating myself to gourmand vanilla baths using the philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Bubble Bath. To elevate my baths even more, I incorporate a touch of bath oil into the mix. Baths can sometimes be a bit drying, but the oil leaves my skin irresistibly soft. However, you choose to pamper yourself on your day off, consider adding a touch of luxury to your routine for that extra special indulgence.
Read More: How to Have a French-Inspired Self-Care Night
8. Enjoy Your Hobbies
If you have a hobby that you struggle to find time for, set aside some time on your day off for it. If you don’t have an activity that you’re particularly passionate about, use your day off to find it! Take a painting class, prepare a new recipe, learn a new instrument, visit a city near you. Having hobbies helps us to become more well-rounded, interesting individuals, so find and enjoy the activities that appeal to you.
9. Tidy Up Your Space
A tidy environment can significantly impact your mental state. Dedicate some time to declutter and organize your space. The sense of accomplishment and the clean surroundings will help reduce stress.
For those who, like me, prefer not to spend their entire day off to cleaning, I've put together a 1-hour cleaning plan designed to spruce up your space without the need for an all-day cleaning session. You can adjust the time allocated to each task based on the size of your apartment or home. Set a timer for each task and get started!
15 minutes: Declutter. Quickly go through each room and pick up items that are out of place. Focus on putting away clutter, such as clothes, dishes, and any random items that may be lying around.
15 minutes: Clean surfaces. Wipe down surfaces throughout your space, focusing on high-traffic areas. Use an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean countertops, tables, and other surfaces.
10 minutes: Dust. Dust shelves, furniture, and any other surfaces that may have accumulated dust. Pay attention to electronics, lampshades, and decorations.
10 minutes: Vacuum or sweep. Vacuum or sweep all floors. Be thorough and pay special attention to corners and under furniture. Focus on high-traffic areas and spots where dirt tends to accumulate.
5 minutes: Tidy up your bedroom and living room. In the bedroom, make the bed, straighten up and fluff pillows and cushions. In the living room, tidy up the seating area, and ensure pillows and cushions are in place.
5 minutes: Do the final touches. Do a final walkthrough of your apartment to ensure everything is in order. Take out the trash and replace any full garbage bags. Light a scented candle or use an air freshener to leave your space smelling clean and fresh.
10. Unplug and Disconnect
For a truly fulfilling solo day off from work or school, take a break from your digital devices. Unplugging from screens for a day can help you refocus, reduce anxiety, and increase mindfulness.
Putting down the devices can be difficult, but the easiest way is to just take the first step. Set your phone aside and engage in a different activity. You'll soon discover that it's entirely feasible to go about your day without the constant need to be using your devices. Contentment can be found beyond the digital realm.
In my own experience, I've become more conscientious about the time I spend on my phone and computer. I recently read Stolen Focus, a compelling read that delves into the gradual decline of our attention spans over the years. It explores how technology accelerates this disconcerting trend and offers insights on how to reclaim our focus and lead more purposeful lives. I’d highly recommend giving it a read if you’re struggling to disconnect.
11. Review and Set Goals
Use this time to reflect on your goals and priorities. What do you want to achieve in the coming weeks or months? Planning can give you direction and purpose. Here are 5 steps to help you review and set your goals on your day off:
Reflect on your prior week. Take time to review your achievements, challenges, and progress from the previous week. Reflect on what went well and what could have been better.
Prioritize your goals. Determine which goals are most important to you. Consider what will have the most significant impact on your life or work. Prioritization helps you focus your efforts effectively.
Set SMART goals. Define clear, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. Ensure they are well-defined, with specific actions and deadlines.
Create action steps. Break down each goal into actionable steps. Make a list of tasks or actions required to achieve your goals. Assign deadlines to these steps for a clear timeline.
Plan your week. Organize your upcoming week by scheduling time to work on your goals. Allocate specific time slots for each task. Having a structured plan helps you stay on track.
As a type-A planner, one of the highlights of my days off is goal planning. I turn it into a special ritual, creating a cozy ambiance by brewing my favorite drink and using my favorite Papier journal to thoroughly assess, and refine into my goals. This practice allows me to set a clear direction for my personal and professional aspirations.
Your day off, especially when spent alone, is an opportunity to invest in your well-being and personal growth. By incorporating these 11 activities into your day, you can return to your regular routine feeling more energized and focused.
What do you do on your day off to recharge? Let me know in the comments below.
