During the pandemic, we were all sort of, forced into time off work due to COVID-19. My boyfriend, who worked in one of the busiest places in London at the time, was off work for around 3 months and don’t get me STARTED on how dead my inbox was for a while. COVID-19 was NOT the time for freelancers, was it? Now we’re all back to the daily grind and back to our normal schedules, you’ll want to be making the most of it and finding new things to do on your day off.
I work from home and I’m self employed, so for me, there’s quite a blurry line between my working days and my time off work as I’m in the same environment for most of my life (although having a garden office has helped massively). I’ve always been one to struggle when I’m not working through a to-do list of work related tasks as I find all that free time a bit…
Overwhelming.
A bit like how sometimes you’ll go on Netflix and all the choice is overwhelming, so you don’t end up watching anything. That would be me on my day off.
There’s obviously no right or wrong way to spend a day off. And aside from the unavoidable boring things to do on your day off (like putting the bins out and stocking up on milk), it’s also a great chance to play around with your personal growth, try some new things or help you re-charge.
So whether you’re looking for things to do on your day off alone or things to do on your day off at home, I’m sure you’ll find some ideas in this post!
Need help utilizing your time off work? Here are 10 things to do on your day off!
Why not start that new hobby you’ve been thinking about?
Thinking about writing a book? Want to start a vegetable garden? Pottery? Well your day off is the perfect time to get stuck in. If you don’t do it now, you never will because you’ll be back to work before you know it. Set yourself a goal to make the first step into starting that new hobby on your next day off. Whether that’s visiting the library for some more information, researching online or just biting the bullet and starting! Starting is always the hardest part.
You might also think about adding home renovation to this point (as decorating and home interiors can definitely be a time-consuming hobby that require a few days off!) Your day off could be the perfect time for revamping some old furniture, a bit of painting or even switching up your flooring. Laying a range of mixed colours of carpet tiles, is a great way to experiment with covering your floor. Carpet tile wholesale offers very good value.
Spend your day off de-cluttering your space
Of all of the points I’ve mentioned here, this is the one that I’m the most likely to do. I love a de-clutter. Like I love it an ODD amount. If de-cluttering doesn’t come as naturally to you, here’s a handy list of things to de-clutter, categorized by room, to make that sometimes overwhelming task a bit more manageable! And here are some valid reasons to remove clutter from your life.
Try volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about
If like me, you enjoy being go, go, go all the time, then this could be a great option for you. I know it’s your day off from work BUT volunteering is so rewarding and benefit, for both you and your mental health and the person or worthy charity you’re volunteering for. In my neck of the woods, we have Hopefield Animal Sanctuary – an incredible place that takes care of ill or abandoned animals. I’d love to volunteer there one day!
Get outside and spend some time in nature
And if that’s not an option, at least just don’t spend the entire day stuck in the same four walls. Which you probably end up doing a lot of the week if you work in any type of building! Spend some time in your garden, going for a walk at the local park or even a National Trust Site if there’s one near you.
Hit up some local small businesses and charity shops on your day off
I think it’s super important to support small businesses and charity shops. So perhaps on your next day off, set yourself a budget and a to-buy list and see what you can pick up in thrift stores! Then finish off the day at a small, family-run café!
Organize a full-on self care day
I can imagine this will be a popular choice but what better time to have a full-blown self care day that your day off? Heck, you deserve it! Think long bubble baths, face masks and all your best creams and oils. If you can, perhaps book a nail or hair appointment. Or even head to a solo spa break! Go wild!
Embrace your creative side
Exploring your creative side is another way to spend your time. Getting creative doesn’t mean that you have to be an artist. It can be as simple as designing a pin badge. Pin badges are an easy to use fashion accessory that look good wherever you put them. It’s cool to turn your designs into real pin badges with Pinbadges.co.
Get those boring jobs done that need doing pronto
Okay back down to Earth, you might have no choice but to FINALLY get those boring ass jobs done on your day off. The grocery shop. The tax return. The visit to the bank. Those jobs you don’t really have time for on your work days. I’d hate to spend a WHOLE DAY OFF doing these jobs so perhaps get up a little earlier than usual and get them done before lunchtime, so the rest of the day is free!
Experiment in the kitchen
During my time in isolation (that sounds ridiculous to say but hey-yo, 2020!) I found myself experimenting loads in the kitchen – particularly for breakfast and dinner. I tried to re-create the bacon and honey pancakes I had at The Ferry House Inn restaurant, as well as throwing some things together for dinner. So on your next day off, instead of immediately reaching for the takeaway menu, why don’t you try some experimenting? Check out this page for some amazing kitchen gadgets!
The Lord of the Rings movie marathon and a takeaway
And to finish off the list, just for lols, you can’t go wrong with a marathon of The Lord of the Rings on any day. That’s exactly what Carl and I did when we headed to Pod Hollow last year! If The Lord of the Rings isn’t your cup of tea, there’s plenty of other long-ass series to choose from!
So I hope you enjoyed this array of ideas, from relaxing day off ideas to productive things to do on your day off and more. Obviously there will be some days off that will require you to do certain things and that’s just life but on those rare occasions where you find yourself with a wonderful free day to yourself, I hope you make the most of some of these meaningful ideas!
How do you like to spend your day off? Will you be trying any of these points I’ve mentioned on your next day off? Let me know and share some ideas of your own!
This post is fantastic! On my days off, I tend to watch YouTube videos and tidy up my room, which is an activity I genuinely enjoy doing.
As long as you enjoy it, that’s all that matters!
[…] 10 Meaningful Things To Do On Your Day Off […]
Great list of ways to spend your day off. I like to spend my day off filling my energy cup with self care. Day with the dogs, a walk, nutritional food, long bath, reading, studying and my favourite TV.
Sounds perfect!
I love the idea of volunteering! I used to do loads of that and I really want to get back into it when it’s safe to do so. I usually find myself outdoors on a day off, it always makes me feel better when I get some fresh air!
I need to start volunteering when it’s safe to do so as well!
Oooh how I wish there were more days to a weekend! When we are both at work full time, one weekend day is our “chores” day: laundry, cleaning, tidying, gardening, etc… and the other is for whatever plans we want to make, seeing friends and family, leisure shopping, chilling… one day a week isn’t enough!!! 🙁
Sounds like a good system. But I agree, one day definitely isn’t enough!
My day off is reading books, gardening, the usual errands and a scheduled decluterring. I agree to find something new to do to break the routine 😉
I actually love this list. Lord of the rings movie and marathon is always a treat ❤😍
Definitely!
I love my days off so much! I used to jam pack them and then Monday would come around so quickly but now I have found a good balance. When life goes back to normal, I’ll be planning lunch dates, cake meet ups and picnics!
Rosie
Sounds perfect. Finding that balance is so improtant!
So many great suggestions but on my days off I always end up doing cleaning or binge watching netflix haha
Love these ideas! You can’t beat a movie marathon sometimes, especially with a takeaway and some snacks! I’m looking forward to sitting and watching all of the Harry Potter films in Autumn xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Oh my god yes I need to do that too!
Napping and reading are my go to at the moment not that we get much time off! I need a holiday! xx
For sure! I’ve not had much time off but feel like I always need a nap!
I definitely struggle sometimes when I have a day off with what to do with it! I worry that I need to be productive but sometimes I need a day just to lie in bed and watch netflix! I do like to tidy my house on days off, like a proper spring clean haha. I also use my days off to work on my blog as I have to try and fit that in around my job.
Chloe xx
I’ve struggled with the idea of ‘down time’ since I started working from home. I find that I often fall back into the habit of hitting my work to do list rather than giving myself the time off that I need for my mental and emotional health. Honestly, that’s why we embrace camping trips so much, even if it’s just a little weekend getaway. It gives me the perfect opportunity to step away from everything and recharge.
Yeah I have that problem loads too. As I work from home constantly, it’s something I definitely need to work on more! Camping sounds like the perfect cure though!
Great ideas!! I have tried new hobbies, like drawing (I’m still not very good at it😂) and I’ve spent more time outside. But I’ve been focusing a lot on my passion, which is photography!
That’s amazing!
Curling up with a book is a perfect day off for me! Love this post!
Thank you 🙂
De-cluttering and cleaning is what I do on my day off to be honest. That and playing video games.
Sounds good to me!
These are some great ideas. I love looking round charity shops and it definitely takes me a good few hours as I rummage through to find some good deals.
Swear the hours fly by in charity shops!
Thanks for all the great ideas, I always get so stuck when I have a day off will save for my next! Thank you x
Hope you find something to do from this post!
I love to take a walk in nature on days off, but I’m often so lazy 😣 I do clean and such quite often so that’s a step haha!
Awh I bet you’re not as lazy as you think!
These are really useful for me 😇
Thank you for sharing this post 😇
JENISH | https://knowafactfromj.blogspot.com
You’re welcome 🙂
I love experimenting on new recipe during my days off but cleaning is a hassle tho.
Oh yeah I agree. HATE the cleaning!
These are great ideas! Never thought of spending my whole day playing boards games and nothing else. I’ll definitely be doing some of these once I have an off day.
Thanks for sharing Jenny
Loren
Definitely something different to do!
These are some great ideas! My favourite days off are when I don’t have any plans, and can just stay in the house all weekend doing some form of craft or project. Because I work closley with people all day through the week, it is nice just having a break from seeing people haha! That sounds so anti-social, but sometimes you just need a break from constant talking, don’t you?
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Nooo that sounds perfectly reasonable to me. I’d be the same. I hate constant chit-chat. What’s wrong with a bit of silence 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this post! I’ve read a post like this one before, so points for uniqueness! lol 🙂 I loved the game day idea more than anything else!
Haha thank you 🙂 Yesss game day is one of my faves too x
Love these ideas – the game day sounds fun! I tend to read, watch Netflix and catch up on any blogging/household tasks on my days off!
Sounds good to me 🙂
Is it wrong that I do game day like every day off? 🙂 Great ideas though… Thrifting is a great way to spend a day off!!
Haha not at all! They’re fun 🙂
I love this! I never know what to do on my day off lol I have really been wanting to volunteer at an animal shelter, so I am planning on doing that after quarantine when things begin to go back to normal.
Awh that’s lovely. Hope you manage to do that soon!
I like these suggestions – I’m like you and actually find days off quite difficult as I just end up procrastinating! I still have to give myself a to do list to get stuff done, but I really enjoy writing, spending time in the garden, and gaming on my days off. And reading!
Yes me too! I always have a to-do list, even if it’s full of self care stuff!
Great tips! I personally love spending my free time discovering or exploring a new place in my area, like a restaurant or shop or something like that. Thank you for sharing!
Sounds like a good way to spend your time off!
These are great ideas! ☺️
I also work from home so find it hard to switch off but when I do give myself a break I usually end up de cluttering or watching a film whilst having a mini pamper session.
Love Lozza x
http://girlygabble.com
Sounds similar to me tbh!
Loved this post! I often get stuck in a rut of doing the same things all of the time. I love the sound of having a games day, video games are my fave and I’m quiet partial to a pub quiz! I really enjoy cooking, but living at home prevents me from experimenting as much as I’d love too. Thank you for sharing!
Oh yeah I love video games too. I’ve just finished The Last of Us Part 2!
I love all of these ideas! I do find myself getting overwhelmed and unable to choose when I do get a day to myself.
I’m also glad that I’m not the only person who does the Lord of the Rings marathon. Me and my husband will do that from time to time.
Thanks for sharing!
Haha can’t beat a LOtR marathon!
Lock down for me has meant starting off my freelancing career and going self-employed and at the moment I feel like I have to fill my days constantly and keep forgetting to take days off. However, Lord of the Rings marathon and take out might be able to persuade me.
That’s what I was like when I started blogging fulll-time. Can totally relate. But take that day off – you deserve it!
This is a such a great post! My favourite days are getting out for a lunch date with friends/family and going for a long walk in nature.
Sounds perfect 🙂
Love this post! I like to spend my days off catching up on YouTube and tidying my room (something I really enjoy doing!!)
– Charlotte / charlottesspace.com
Oh me too, I love tidying!
Great ideas! I love decluttering x
My days off consist of listening to music and cleaning! Also going out for a walk in the park is a great idea! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Music and cleaning sounds good to me!
I love that volunteering and decluttering made the list. Great ideas!
Thank you 🙂
Thanks for sharing your ideas, I find going for walk on my days off has really helped, as it clears my thoughts 🙂
Oh yeah it really does, doesn’t it?
Good tips. I love watching movies, reading books, and go for a brisk walk during my free time.
Sounds perfect 🙂
I’m so guilty of doing little bits of work when I have free time because I feel guilty doing nothing. But that means that every now and then I need a day of literally nothing before the burnout kicks in so i love a good binge watch of my favourite shows or taking Hugo somewhere different for a walk x
Sophie
Sounds perfect! Days off spent with Hugo are never wasted!
My days off are usually filled with blogging tasks seen as I go to work during the week. When I do take a break though I love to sit in the garden and read or play The Sims!
Oh my god I neeeed to get The Sims again!
Great post! Thank you for sharing! On my days off, I love going shopping, to restaurants and seeing my family!
Sounds perfect 🙂
It is my dream to be self employed, hopefully I can be one day. Love these suggestions, especially the one about volunteering 🙂 it’s a great idea and most people forget about that! I also wanna get into some DIY crafts soon – hopefully that’ll work out for me!
One day you will! <3
Great post, I was on furlough and have since been made redundant so I’m using blogging as my faux job just now to keep the brain ticking over!
Ah I’m sorry to hear that!
Wonderful ideas! Before COVID, my days off were normally for running errands and building my business on the side. Since March, I’ve been working from home so I can do more of laundry and cleaning during the week, and get to spend my days off doing more of what I want 😊 I love using my days off to take online classes, read, try new recipes, and spend time in my garden.
Sounds good to me!
Lovely ideas to make the most of your time. 😊
Thank you 🙂
Welcome dear. 😊
Welcome ☺️
This time off has definitely given me more time to catch up on those movies and TV shows I couldn’t
watch before! Because I recently graduated I’m looking for a job and have been unsuccessful so far 😢 I just wish I could go back to some sort of routine soon 🥺
You’ll get a job soon! <3
I hope so too 😢🥺
I’m getting used to blogging being my version of work, and haven’t really figured out how to switch of from it properly. When I’m in to something, my mind just races and never stops, even if I want it to.
A lord of the rings/hobbit/Harry Potter marathon sounds a good idea to me 😊
Oh yeah I can relate to that!
I so needed to read this today! Work feels like it will never end and some ideas to make the most of my time off is just what the Doctor ordered! Thank you! xx
Thank you 🙂
I love this! I have done so much baking on days when I didn’t know what to do with myself! And I love having a complete chill and pamper day! x
Baking and pampering sounds perfect!
These are some great ways to spend days – it is so important to utilise time effectively; I’ve found myself trying to do so even more after feeling like I have missed out on 4 months etc of my life due to COVID-19! It’s always great to have some more ideas of things to do; your post is greatly appreciated.
Paige // Paige Eades
I’ve felt like I’ve missed months of my life due to this as well. It’s a weird feeling!
Love this – so many fab ideas! I got made redundant at the end of April and had a major operation back at the end of June, so I’ve had lots of days off, although blogging kinda counts as working for me at the moment. I love spending the days ‘off’ having a long soak in the bath, watching my fave shows on Netflix and doing a bit of writing!
Zoey | http://www.zoeyolivia.com
Ah I’m sorry to hear you were made redundant. And about the operation.
I love these ideas. I have 5 weeks and a day (not that I am counting!!) to fill and it can almost be overwhelming picking something to do.
I am choosing to use this time to focus on my blog and my health, getting back to the gym hopefully and enjoying all our hard work on the house.Today though is afternoon tea time and I can’t wait!
Sounds perfect!
I don’t get a day off, so have to steal moments during the day! Not always to catch up, sometimes I play online puzzles and feel so naughty!
How comes?!
Week days I work for myself, weekends the family grab my attention…
So often when I have some spare time I just don’t know what to do – even though there are lots of things I’d like to do, I somehow just don’t end up starting any of them and then I feel like I’ve wasted my day. These are great ideas and also helps with a focus so that I’d be able to utilise my time, rather than wasting it. I think this weekend I will start with trying a new hobby. Thanks for the ideas 🙂
I’m the same! Glad this helped x
Great post and so many fantastic ideas! Taking a walk outside is definitely my go to when I am looking for something to do, being stuck inside all day can really have a negative effect on my mood so I make sure to get at least one walk in a day, it also helps to give me the boost of energy and motivation that sitting in the house has sucked out of me to actually get on with the jobs that need doing x
I agree, I hate being inside all day!
I love these ideas. I’m always looking for some interesting things to do when I have a lot of free time.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Glad this helped 🙂