Taking an Effective Day Off

For most of us, a day off work can feel just as mentally, physically, or emotionally taxing as hours spent on the clock. That being said, it is extremely difficult to remain present, efficient, and attentive when it’s been a while since your last proper “recharge.” You may have heard the old adage, “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” or “fill your cup.” Both hold the same truth… that some you-time is long overdue!

Here are a few things to remember on your days off to help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the oncoming workweek:

Understand how you relax.
Whether it’s getting together with good friends for a night out or opting to stay in with a good book or for a Netflix binge (no judgement here!) you should choose the best option for YOU! Remember, your days off are put in place for you to reset, so pay attention to your instincts.
Tackle errands early.
Been needing to return something for weeks now? Or perhaps you’ve been watering down your handsoap bottle for more than a few days. Either way- you need to get to the store/market/laundromat/mall. If you tackle these first thing in the morning, you should be finished by lunchtime! That means you get to enjoy the rest of the day without a nagging to-do list on your mind.
Make a to-do list for the coming week.
Speaking of to-do lists, keep a notebook in your purse, next to your bed, on the kitchen counter, wherever. Whenever you think of something you *need* to do, write it down to tackle the next day. You can’t effectively relax with these tasks floating around your mind, but you also don’t need to spend your day off composing emails or anxiously awaiting responses.
UNPLUG!
It can be tough to be away from your phone. Seriously… have you ever tried it? Leave it in the other room one evening and you’ll realize just how much you use it. “Who’s that actress and what have I seen her in? What time does Red Lobster close on Thursdays? What song is this? I forgot to text so-and-so…” We live in a world of infinite information available at our fingertips. There’s something liberating about being able to enjoy a day without constant distraction. Plus, you won’t feel like you need to respond to the incoming work emails, which is ultimately what you’re taking a day off from. They’ll be okay waiting a few hours, we promise!
Lastly… get away!
Where do you live? If you’re in the SeaCliff Huntington Beach area, then you’re near the ocean. A walk on the beach, some fresh air, maybe a bite at a local restaurant, each of these makes us feel like we’re on vacation, especially if we don’t indulge in them often! Take advantage of what Huntington Beach or your town has to offer.

Most importantly, you should ENJOY your day off! You should feel rested and happy waking up the following morning, even if it is to head back to work.