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What to Do on Your Day Off From Work

Cheerful woman and little girl running with shopping bags.

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Having a much-deserved day off from work that isn't just the weekend can make it feel like a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. It's the perfect time to relax, catch up on anything you've been behind on, and just take a little break from the job. But relaxing doesn't mean your day can't be productive too. While vegging out in front of the television for hours may seem tempting, you'll feel more fulfilled and happy if you spend your day off getting some things done. Here are a few ideas...

Writing in her diary

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Check some items off your to-do list .

A day off is a great chance to tackle something you've had to do for weeks that you haven't had time for. Do you need to make a doctor's appointment? Call them! Have you been meaning to clean the bathroom? Go for it! You don't need to do everything, but checking off a few items you've been thinking about for a while will make you feel so productive and proud of yourself.

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Get outside.

Spending time outside can feel restorative and rejuvenating...but you may not have time to squeeze that in during your work day. Take advantage of your day off by spending some time outdoors. Enjoy your morning coffee in a park, go for a long walk or run, take the kids to the playground, or even go for a hike. If it's cold out, bundle up and do a short walk. Enjoy how energized you feel after getting some fresh air.

Tired, serene young woman sleeping in bed

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Sleep late or take a nap.

A little extra sleep may be just what you need on your day off. Turn your alarm off and allow yourself to catch some extra shut-eye, or, if you don't want to disrupt your normal schedule...take a little nap during the day. If you decide to nap, try to avoid going over 30 minutes or you might end up feeling groggy afterwards.

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Start the new hobby you've been thinking about.

If you've been thinking about starting something new, like a new hobby, this is the perfect time to do it. You obviously don't need to master it the first day and there shouldn't be any pressure to hit some sort of goal. It's just about the new experience.

Barista Serving Customer Coffee

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Plan a coffee date.

Get in touch with a friend or family member you haven't seen in a while who you've been meaning to hang out with and plan a coffee date. It's a great way to catch up without spending too much money or taking up too much time during the day. You could also grab coffee with someone from your professional field to connect and maybe set up some future opportunities.

Young woman writing in diary.

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Set your goals for the next few weeks/months.

Sit down with a notebook or your planner and set some goals for the upcoming weeks and/or months. It's nice to do this when you have some peace and quite and feeling less stressed. It's a great way to get your head in the right place and will leave you feeling inspired.

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Catch up on your read.

The entire day doesn't have to be about getting things done. Maybe you've been reading one book forever and haven't had time to finish it, or you've been dying to start a new one. Either way, grab that book, curl up in a comfortable spot, and read as long as you'd like.

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Clean out your closet.

Make your life more organized and give back at the same time by spending some time cleaning out your closet. Make a pile of things you can toss in the garbage, things you can donate, and things you'd like to keep. Put the donation items in bags and bring them to a nearby shelter or set up a date where they can get picked up by a charity. You'll feel so happy your closet has more space, and you'll be giving clothes to people who need them.

Making Bean Soup

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Meal prep for the next few days.

It's always nice to save yourself some time later on by getting meals prepared ahead of time. On busier days, you can just grab the food out of the fridge and heat it up. It might be annoying to do all at once...but on the days that follow, you'll be thanking yourself for thinking ahead.

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Call your parents.

In a world of texts and emails, we forget how much of a difference a phone call can make. Give your parents a call and catch up for a while. If you talk to your parents all the time, do this with another family member. It's a nice way to reconnect if you can't do it in person.

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Get in a workout.

Exercising whenever you can squeeze it in is always a good idea. . Hit the gym and take your time by getting a full workout in...or take one of the classes you might not normally have the time for. Even if you don't have a membership anywhere, you could also go for a jog or just work out in your home.

Brunette woman in sweater using laptop at table

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Organize your inbox.

Reading emails on your day off? If you're really behind, it might be a good idea. You can separate your emails into folders to make your life easier in the coming days and delete things you no longer need. This is just about organizing...you don't have to respond to anyone if you don't want to.

Adult Coloring Books

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Embrace your creative side.

Exploring your creative side can help you relax. You definitely don't need to be an artist. It's more about creating. You can keep it as simple as grabbing a coloring book.

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Surprise someone special with lunch.

If you have off on a day everyone else is working, surprise someone special in your life by bringing them coffee or some lunch to eat together. It will be a nice break in their day and it will give you something to do as well.

What to Do on Your Day Off From Work

Source: https://www.redbookmag.com/life/g30261235/day-off-ideas/