So, you have no plans, nothing to do, and no one to hang out with. What are you going to do? Are you going to spend the rest of the day reading books, watching TV, or something else entirely? Perhaps you’re thinking about calling some friends or parents but they aren’t home or they are busy. This is when it gets a little tricky. What do you do on your day off? The answer may seem obvious, but it isn’t that simple. There are many things you can do on your day off, depending on your interests and the time available. Since not everyone will have the same circumstances, I did some research and grouped these potential activities in the following way:
What to do on your day off if you:
- Want to relax or chill
- Want to try something new
- Want to be productive and useful
- For long-term growth and skill acquisition
- Want to focus on health and welness
- Want to do something good for others
- If you don’t want to spend any money
1. What to do on your day off if you want to relax or chill?
Your work is your work. You put in long hours, so it’s understandable that you’d want to take a break and relax on your days off. But what do you do on your days off? If you have no hobbies or interests, this can be an exceedingly difficult question to answer. Unless, of course, you’re willing to commit yourself to finding new hobbies and interests…Which doesn’t seem like something many people are up for.
Luckily for you, we’ve got some great ideas about how to spend your day off. So switch off your laptop screen, put down that smartphone, and read on for some great advice on how to spend your day off when the time comes around again!
When you are feeling stressed or anxious, the last thing you probably want to do is go out and do something more stressful or anxiety-inducing. Activities that induce stress or anxiety are obviously not great for those prone to these feelings. But what activities are best for relaxing? There are so many different ways to relax, from meditation and yoga to reading a book or drinking a hot cup of tea. However, there are definitely some activities that are more relaxing than others. And time is also a factor; some activities require more time than others, so I grouped them in a table with a rough time estimate so you can choose whatever you like. The ones written in red don’t involve spending any money:
| Up to 2 hours: | Up to 4 hours: | 6 Hours or more |
| Wake up late | Spend time with friends | Do some gardening |
| Try out a new recipe | Spend time with family | Go on a hike |
| Go for a walk | Read a relaxing book | Catch up on things |
| Watch a fun movie | Clean your closet | Visit the museum |
| Play some games | Listen to your favorite songs | Spend time in nature |
2. What to do on your day off if you want to try something new?
Experimenting with new things can be a fun and exciting way to learn more about yourself and the world around you. It can also help you to become more open-minded and adventurous, which can be beneficial in many areas of life. Of course, it is important to approach new experiences with caution and be sure to do your research beforehand so that you don’t end up in a dangerous or uncomfortable situation. Here are a few more unusual examples of what to do on your day off, the ideas written in red don’t involve spending any money:
| Try escape rooms | Take dancing lessons |
| Try blogging | Try skydiving |
| Try an adult coloring book | Try vegetarian or vegan food |
| Try karaoke | Try drawing |
| Get a massage | Try to write a story/poetry |
| Go watch or try standup comedy | Learn how to knit |
| Learn to juggle | Try seeing a therapist |
| Eat something you’ve never eaten before | Listen to random music playlists |
3. What to do on your day off if you want to be productive or useful:
Some people feel their best when they’re being productive and making the most of their time, while others prefer to relax and recharge on their days off. These types of people are generally called “hustlers.” Generally speaking, a hustler is someone who is always working hard and trying to achieve their goals, regardless of the obstacles in their way. They’re determined, driven, and never give up, they are never satisfied with where they are and are always striving to do better, and most of the time, they will dedicate their day off to productive and useful activities. If being productive is something that will make you feel good, then, by all means, go for it! Here are some examples of activities that you can do on your day off, while you can also benefit from their outcome in one way or another.
| Plan your budget for the next 30 days | Try an online course |
| Clean your most important space | Watch an inspirational speaker, try ted.com |
| Watch useful documentaries | Read quotes on your favorite topics |
| Read a book that makes you better | Listen to biographies of people you respect |
| Organize important documents | Clean your PC, it is probably clogged |
| Do research on important topics | Clean your hard drive, wipe useless data |
| Make a meal plan for the week | Clean your email inbox, set up filters |
| Read productivity tips and tricks | Learn keyboard shortcuts |
For instance, take some time to get hands-on with your finances; an honest and tested approach is to read a Rocket Money review. See how it can assist in managing subscriptions and tracking spending. Additionally, if you’re looking to make your money work for you, consider reading an Acorns review for investing. It’s a user-friendly way to start growing your wealth without having to dive deep into the complex world of stocks and bonds. Both are productive steps towards financial well-being that you can explore comfortably from home.
My family has a saying, kind of an inside joke: why waste a perfectly good holiday having fun when you could be doing chores?
4.What to do on your day off for long-term growth and skill acquisition:
Investing in your future self doesn’t require a hefty bank account—just a bit of your time and the desire to learn and grow. Whether it’s advancing your career or enriching your personal life, here are some ways to use your day off to plant seeds that will one day bear the fruit of success and fulfillment:
| Dedicate time to learning |
Read for Personal Development |
| Creative Expression | Meditate and Reflect |
| Network and Connect | Strategic Volunteering |
| Financial Literacy | Explore a New Language |
| Write a Short Story or Novel | Study Philosophical Concepts |
| Learn about investment strategies | Learning Advanced DIY Skills |
| Create a Long-Term Travel Plan | Personal Wellness Plan |
| Build a Sustainable Lifestyle | Start a Side Business |
5. What to do on your day off for Health and Wellness:
Taking a day off is the ideal chance not only to rest but to actively engage in nurturing your body and mind. This is about creating an experience that leaves you feeling rejuvenated and recharged. Based on tested and tried ideas, these activities are more than just suggestions; they are pathways to enhanced well-being. Here are some examples to inspire you:
| Practice Yoga or Pilates | Go for a Nature Walk or Hike |
| Attend a Wellness Workshop | Prepare a Healthy Meal |
| Get a Massage or Spa Treatment | Meditate |
| Sleep In | Try deep breathing exercises |
| Herbal Tea Tasting | Create a Vision Board |
| Start a Wellness Journal | Learn About Aromatherapy |
6. What to do on your day off if you want to do something good for others:
While many people will find charitable work stressful, there are some that this process will help disconnect from their day-to-day activities and make them feel better about themselves. Some people may find that they enjoy and even feel relaxed while doing volunteer work for a cause they care about. And there are many benefits to participating in charitable work, including the potential for improved mental and physical health. If you think this might work for you, why not give it a try? Here are some examples of what to do on your day off if you want to help others. The ideas marked in red don’t involve spending any money.
| Donate blood or plasma | Spend an afternoon picking up litter |
| Offer to babysit | Revise and donate whatever you don’t need anymore |
| Do errands for the elderly | Offer to help blind people do their chores |
| Volunteer at an animal shelter | Organize a garage sale and donate the proceeds to charity |
| Buy food for a homeless person | Send encouraging words to those going through difficulties |
| Help the elderly with yard work | Practice compassion, put yourself in other people’s shoes |
7. What to do on your day off If you don’t want to spend any money:
Some people may choose to spend very little on relaxation, while others may choose to splurge on activities or experiences that help them unwind. According to a study done in 2020 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends around $3,000 per year on entertainment. You could easily tap into this money and snatch some savings just by engaging in entertainment activities that don’t cost anything. I marked with red all the ideas that don’t involve spending any money from the categories above, so you can do a quick scan and identify them at a glance. And if you want a few more examples of what to do on your day off that doesn’t involve spending any money, check the table below:
| Take a walk to clear your mind | Try something artsy |
| Do physical exercises, try calisthenics | Read on your favorite topics |
| Think about your future, write down goals | Answer online trivia questions or quizzes |
Final thoughts:
A day off is a precious gift, and it should be treated as such. Enjoy some leisure activities, spend time with family and friends, or just take some time for yourself. Whatever you do, make sure you savor your day off and use it to rejuvenate yourself.
A day off is a small gem that does not come along very often. It is something we should cherish and enjoy.