Go ahead – kick your feet up. Hit the snooze button. Sleep in and relax. Skip the commute and traffic. No meetings. No expectations. You’ve got some well-deserved time off for you. Enjoy it!
The good news is that we can leverage time away from work in many different ways – and we don’t have to wait until our scheduled vacation leave or federal holidays.
The benefits of time off apply also to extended hours during the week, weekends, and even short breaks during the workday. Research indicates that even informal “micro breaks” of just a few minutes throughout the day can improve your mood and job performance.
But it’s about more than just stopping our work or taking quick snack breaks. The most successful ways to recharge should include relaxing, social, and engaging components. So, here are some ideas to get the most value of your time when you’re off the clock:
1. Take extra good care of your body. When you find yourself with some extra time, consider releasing energy with one of the best stress-reducers of all time: exercise. Go for a walk, jog, dance, bike-ride or simply enjoy whatever gets you up and moving.
2. Invest in your relationships with others. We’re built for human connection. If you haven’t spoken to a friend in a while, give them a buzz to check in. Call your parents. Grab a few buddies and go out for brunch or dinner. Do something fun with your children or family, like playing a board game, reading a story together, or trying a new recipe.
3. Invest in yourself. While it’s fun to veg out from time to time, there are a ton of ideas you can explore to work towards your own personal goals and dreams. Ask yourself what small or big steps can you take during your free time to propel you forward and “sharpen your saw.” Maybe you can write one chapter of a book? Complete a module for a class or certification? Practice a new language? Listen to a TED talk? Recalibrate your budget and financial goals? Check out some more ideas in this free resource.
4. Be mindful and appreciate the moment. Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a professor of neural science and psychology at New York University and the author of Healthy Brain, Happy Life recommends meditation as another helpful activity to help us feel more alive. Being fully present gives you perspective and opens you up to unlock the possibilities of the moment with gratitude and a sense of calm.
We can all appreciate ways to help us feel better and more balanced. With intentionality, you can maximize your time on and your time off.