It’s been about a month since the spring semester started. Classes, homework, exams, and our jobs keep us pretty busy. So what do we do when we have a day off?
Most of us don’t get to have a day off because when we’re not in class or at work, we still have errands to run, laundry to do, papers to write, tests to study for, and the list goes on and on.
A day off is considered to be a day where one is carefree, at liberty to do what the heart desires. But let’s face it, we’re college students and a day with nothing to do is nothing but a wish deep within the heart of most of us.
So why not make the most of a busy “day off”?
Here are some tips that might help make a “day off” more enjoyable even when you know it’s bound to be a busy one.
If my day is jam-packed with errands, I find it makes the day easier and more fun to take a friend along to keep me company. Having someone to take along with me usually helps by distracting me from traffic or can help to relieve stress by just talking about whatever comes to mind. This way, at least I’m not alone for the ride; and having some company never hurts.
Another thing that can help you enjoy your day off is, if you have a lot of things to do, whether errands to run or homework to take care of, try making a list. Put the most important things you have to do at the top of your list and then go from there.
When you have a list, you have a plan that keeps you from feeling so overwhelmed. Take care of the most important things first and give yourself a time limit and try to get those things done within that time frame.
Setting a time frame can also help you avoid feeling so tense because it ensures that you will get more things done. When you know how much time you have to do something, it pushes you to meet your goal. And if you meet all of your time limits and are able to cross off everything on your to-do list, your day was productive!
When you are going to be spending a lot of time in your car on your day off it’s good to have a good variety of of music you really in order to make your drive more pleasant.
Good music always makes life a bit more fun, especially when you’re stressed out. Plus, there’s a lot of good music out there that can actually pump you up and get you ready to take on a busy day.
You can also treat yourself after you’ve finished your tasks for the day. Looking forward to a pedicure after running around all day or a sweet treat for dessert can serve as encouragement you to get through a hectic day, especially if you leave these treats at the end of your list, to end your day off with a bang!
Also, if you keep a daily planner or some kind of way to keep track of your list of things to do, you can make sure you schedule in some time for lunch with a friend or dinner with family. Meeting up with people you enjoy being around can be a good side-tracker to get your mind off stressful situations. Taking a social lunch break can also serve as a motivator to continue your day.
I also find it helpful to squeeze in a workout at the gym. When you have a busy day ahead of you, it can be hard to schedule in a workout. But it doesn’t have to be a long workout session, 30 minutes on a treadmill or stationary bicycle can relieve some anxiety and stress.
An advantage to this is that it’s good for you to get in some exercise through something productive. So it’s like killing two birds with one stone.
The next time you have a day off, though it will probably be full of things to take care of, try something to make your day more satisfying. Sure you’ll probably be exhausted by the end of the day, but at least you took care of business and had a little fun doing it.
