You can finally give yourself a day off from work or school commitments, and you find yourself having to decide what to do. Would you like to enjoy a relaxing day at home, an exciting day to start a new project or a trip out of town? While being the type of person who knows that they normally enjoy a relaxing, or productive day off, consider experimenting with a few changes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Spend the Day Off in Relaxation
Step 1. Start your day feeling comfortable
Turn off the alarm. Get up when you prefer, and pamper yourself with a relaxing breakfast. If you love to cook, try a special recipe, such as gingerbread waffles, pancakes, an omelette or a hearty English breakfast.
Step 2. Stay away from phone and email
Being constantly pestered by people's needs can be exhausting, and already too many people are compulsively checking their phone and computer, despite being aware of the stress it causes. If necessary, warn people in advance to let them know that you will not be available on your day off. You also decide to read the messages only the following day.
If you are concerned that it would be difficult to isolate yourself, leave all your electronic devices in a drawer away from where you will spend your day off
Step 3. Find a comfortable place
Choose an area where you can spend several hours relaxing. If your home is full of stressed-out people or tasks to complete, opt for a relaxed coffee shop, or go to a park. If the weather isn't suitable for being outdoors, set up a cozy corner in your home.
Step 4. Play with your pets
If you own a pet, spend some time playing with it. Find ways to play with your cat, dog or bird. If you love manual arts, build a game for him.
Step 5. Read a book
You may have some books that you have long wanted to read, or have read in the distant past and wish to reread. If you need to choose a new book, do an online search for your favorite authors and find out if they have written something new, or let yourself be inspired by readers' suggestions by visiting for example the website www.ilgiardinodeilibri.it.
Step 6. Lie down
Find a relaxing activity you don't normally do and make your day special. Meditate, take a hot bath or explore your old record collection and rediscover your favorite pieces.
Step 7. Indulge yourself with tasty recipes
You can have your meals delivered to your home so as not to be forced to leave your oasis of relaxation, or go out and let yourself be pampered while you rest sitting in a restaurant. If, on the other hand, you love having fun in the kitchen, prepare one of your favorite recipes.
- If you're not a regular in the kitchen but still want to give yourself a chance, try making a simple dish, like macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes.
- If you are passionate about preparing complex dishes, choose a new and exciting recipe, albeit not too complex so as not to risk stressing yourself. For example, opt for an international recipe, the wikiHow site will inspire you and take you on a whole tour around the world.
Step 8. Invite some friends
As this is a public holiday, your friends will most likely have the day off as well. And even if they don't, they could be free for part of the day. Invite them to watch a movie together or eat with you. Don't overdo the number of guests, though: remember this day must be relaxing.
Method 2 of 3: Plan an Excursion
Step 1. Search for nearby attractions
Maybe a movie or show is on show that you would like to see, or maybe you could visit a museum you've never been to. Sometimes acting like a tourist in your own city can be really fun, especially if your work normally takes too much to appreciate it.
Step 2. Spend time in nature
Natural areas can be an ideal place to relax, especially when you normally spend most of your time indoors. Plan a picnic, a bike ride, or wander around the park aimlessly. If you wish, you could also reach a campsite or a nature reserve by going away for a few hours, but remember that if it were a public holiday the roads could be full of traffic.
Step 3. Walk to a city neighborhood or town that you have never visited before
If, within a short distance of your home, you have a location that you have rarely visited, go to it without a specific plan. Opt for an area with shops and restaurants and take a look at everything from bookstores to nightclubs.
Step 4. Create new experiences, don't just get new items
People typically find experiences considerably more memorable and interesting than objects. If you love to go shopping, do it with friends to make the experience even more unforgettable, or leave your credit card at home and have fun looking at the windows of the most extravagant shops.
Step 5. Avoid frustrating experiences
During your day off, try to stay away from traffic, crowded areas, and other sources of stress. These elements will be particularly evident if it were a day of celebration. Nonetheless, it will certainly be possible to identify a small hidden and uncrowded area.
If the holiday limits your options, have a picnic in your backyard
Method 3 of 3: Use the Day Off for Your Personal Projects
Step 1. Dedicate yourself to arts and crafts
Paint, draw, model clay, or try a different art form. Have fun practicing, your creation could find a place in your home and be displayed in plain sight.
- Try making a pirate hat or choose a more useful activity by knitting to make a pair of fluffy socks.
- Discover unexpected art projects, such as printing mushroom spores or creating a home for gnomes.
Step 2. Learn a new hobby
There are thousands of hobbies you've probably never even heard of, and your friends are sure to be thrilled to introduce you to some of theirs. Stack the glasses or build a robot. Find a friend with whom to start a competitive or collaborative hobby, for example by experimenting with ancient strategy games or by dedicating yourself to the technique of patchwork quilting.
Step 3. Listen to a reading, podcast or audiobook
Choose a subject of your interest. Increase your knowledge and skills with a free reading. For example, visit the website
Step 4. Sign up for a course
In cities, cooking classes, crafts, etc. are often available. You can also search online and locate a book club, sports association or other club you may be interested in. Even if they weren't open to visitors on your day off, you might get new inspiration for the weekend, and during your normal work routine you might not have time to research.
Step 5. Meet your friends
Even if you are among those who get anxious about giving your day off to others, realize that staying in touch with your loved ones is as important a task as your plans and your to-do list. Contact someone you haven't seen in a while and invite them to go out or have an online conversation.
