A road trip is a great way to spend your day off, but the preparation can suck all the fun out of it. In between itinerary and packing, you’ll wonder if you can just stay at home and still make the most of your time off. Absolutely.
You don’t have to hit the road to recharge and relax. Follow these tips on how to spend your me-time and cut yourself some slack indoors.
Tip #1: Forget About Work
Some successful people won’t mind sacrificing their weekends. Remember, though, that giving yourself a break before another week of hustling can make you even more productive. So, throw the guilt out of the window and forget about work, even just for a day. The article you have to write, presentation you need to prepare, and whatever it is on your to-do list can wait for another 24 hours.
But for the naturally workaholic bunch, ditching work for a day sounds impossible, if not crazy. They function so well in a high-stress, fast-paced environment that hitting the brakes leaves them disoriented. In such a case, suddenly pulling all the plugs isn’t the best way to relax. Learn how to decompress slowly instead, and email is a good place to start.
Try not to check your inbox during your time off. You’ll feel stressed out for a good couple of hours. But if you manage to get past that initial and hardest phase of the separation anxiety, you’ll find yourself more relaxed for the rest of the day. You’ll even be surprised that the entire day is gone.
Tip #2: Water Therapy for the Mind and Body
There’s something calming about taking a bath. Maybe it’s because once you step into the shower or tub, it feels like all life’s hassles slowly drip away. Perhaps, human bodies find the water reinvigorating after a draining day at work. Whatever it is, it makes people spend tons of money on bathroom remodeling.
Put the investment to work when you have extra time in your hands. Take as long as you want in the shower. Soak in a bubble bath and light some scented candles. Rubber ducks? It’s totally up to you. You can even practice arguments in your head. No judgment.
Tip #3: Do Absolutely Nothing
In your time off, let go of the idea that you have to be and do something. The world won’t stop if you choose to just exist during your day off. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel like Bruno Mars singing The Lazy Song.
Lay on your bed and don’t pick up the phone. Even better, if you have one of those popular infinity massage chairs, pull it up. Go, kick your feet up, and stare at the fan because no one’s going to tell you can’t.
Tip #4: Crank up Some Music
While you’re sitting on your ultra-comfy chair, you might want to listen to your go-to songs to complete the relaxing moment. Play slow, quiet classical music if that’s what puts you in the relaxing mode. Crank up a groovy song on repeat if that floats your boat.
With the right music, you can turn your home into a spa or a concert ground. It’s your day. It’s your choice.
You see, there are tons of ways to recharge without leaving your home. If the outdoors is calling you, go and pack your bags. But when you need some quiet time, indoors isn’t such a bad place to spend your time off.