You know all too well that the holiday season, from Halloween through Valentine’s Day, is the busiest time of year for everyone.
Not only do you have to attend parties and gatherings as part of your social obligations, but you also may have a long list of chores or tasks to complete before the new year begins.
It’s even more stressful when there are only so many days off you can take over this period. Here are some ideas for how to survive the busyness without losing your sanity:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Explore local museums and art galleries. |
| 2. Try a new recipe or cooking technique. |
| 3. Go for a leisurely nature walk. |
| 4. Have a movie marathon with your favorite films. |
| 5. Learn a new skill or hobby. |
| 6. Read that book you’ve been meaning to start. |
| 7. Organize and declutter your living space. |
| 8. Plan a day trip to a nearby town. |
| 9. Engage in a creative DIY project. |
| 10. Attend a local event or workshop. |
1. Play Some Music
There’s no better way to relax and wind down from the stress of the holidays than by listening to some tunes. For most people, this means turning on a Pandora station or picking up an old record and putting it on the turntable.
But if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try something new? Here are a few ways you can use your free time off to get in touch with your inner musician:
Go see some live music. Whether it’s jazz at a club downtown or rock at an arena concert hall, live music is always a good time and there’s nothing like being surrounded by others who share your passion for rhythm and melody.
Plus, when everyone else is taking their first vacation day of 2019, odds are pretty low that anyone will be standing around waiting for their turn at karaoke (yet another reason why this week is perfect).
Learn how to play an instrument! There are plenty of instruments available online (and even locally) that are simple enough for beginners but still provide hours upon hours of fun once mastered properly.
And don’t worry too much about finding time while everyone else takes advantage of their extra days off; learning how instruments work best when done regularly over long periods so if you wait until next year then chances are high that whatever progress has been made will have slipped away due lackadaisical practice habits over those twelve months.*
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2. Read A Book
That’s right, books are still alive and kicking. Why is reading good for you? Well for starters, it helps to relax your mind and body. It also puts you in the right headspace to learn more about yourself and others around you.
There are so many benefits of reading that I could go on forever! But if there’s one thing I want to impress upon you today it’s this: Reading is great because it allows us as people to connect in an intimate way that no other medium can offer.
With books we share stories from all over the world through different times and cultures, by doing so we become connected in unexpected ways something all too rare these days and that’s what makes reading worthwhile!
3. Bring Your Pet To The Park
If you don’t have a dog, go to the dog park. You will meet other people who love their dogs and their dogs will love each other!
Dogs need structure and exercise every day, not just on weekends like us humans do (because they are so much more advanced than we are).
So if you have a dog that enjoys playing fetch, this is an excellent opportunity for them to run around and get all that pent-up energy off their chest after being cooped up indoors all week long. They will thank you for it later with lots of affectionate cuddle time!
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4. Check Out A New Coffee Shop
New coffee shops are opening every day, and with them come new experiences. The next time you find yourself looking for a place to read or study, explore some of the neighborhoods that are close to you. There might be a great new shop tucked away in one of those neighborhoods!
Coffee shops have become one of the main places people meet up nowadays, so they need to have an inviting atmosphere. You could try out a place with good music or seating options (and maybe even wifi if that’s what you need).
Or maybe they offer interesting food options? A good ambiance can also make or break your experience at any given coffee shop it might not matter how great the food is if everyone around seems like they want nothing more than peace while they sip their cold brews on this hot summer day!
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, there will be plenty out there waiting for you once school gets back in session again just remember: it takes time before anyone notices that anything was different about their routine before taking off during breaks!
5. Take A Long Nap
Napping is one of the most underrated activities out there. It doesn’t matter if you work a 9-5 or have to be up at the crack of dawn, we all need a little downtime every once in a while.
Start with a great sleep cycle by setting an alarm for about 50 minutes before you plan on waking up. Then set your phone across the room so that it’s just out of arm’s reach, but you can still see it enough to check it (we don’t want any accidental midnight Instagrams).
Stretch out under your covers and relax into your pillow as best as possible this will help ease some tension and make it easier for your mind to shut off when you go to bed.
If there’s no time for a full hour nap during the day, try taking ten-minute naps throughout the day whenever possible they’ll help keep things fresh!
6. Clean Out Your Closet
If you’ve been putting off getting rid of all the clothes in your closet that you don’t wear, this is a great time to do it. Do you have clothes hanging around that you haven’t worn in years? What about something from high school or college that doesn’t fit anymore?
Or maybe there are just some items that don’t fit the way they used to and will never fit again (e.g., maternity wear). If any of these scenarios ring true for you, put on your Marie Kondo outfit and get ready for an afternoon of purging!
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7. Take A Long Hot Bath
If you’re lucky enough not to have a job, and you’re looking for something productive to do this week, try taking a long hot bath. The combination of the heat and the oils in your skin can be very soothing.
Add in some Epsom salts to help draw out toxins from your body and allow them to wash down the drain with the water. Then add a cup of baking soda for extra exfoliation. If you like essential oils (or even if you don’t), add lavender oil or eucalyptus oil for aromatherapy benefits!
8. Do Something Creative
If you’ve been meaning to learn a new skill or start a new hobby, now’s the time. You can sign up for classes at your local community college or try an online class through sites like Skillshare.
Learning something new will keep your mind sharp and help you stay busy while everyone else is on vacation.
You could also try something creative like painting, drawing, pottery making, cooking, or baking something delicious from scratch (or by following a simple recipe).
If you have kids at home this summer and even if you don’t you could spend some quality time together making art projects with materials found around the house: ripped pieces of paper and fabric scraps would make beautiful collages;
Coffee filters dipped in the paint make beautiful stained glass windows; googly eyes glued onto popsicle sticks become puppets for storytelling sessions; old magazines can be cut up into shapes that form interesting sculptures when glued together. The sky’s the limit here!
If none of these ideas are appealing then perhaps trying out another musical instrument? Maybe try learning how to play drums, guitar, or piano? Or maybe sing along with karaoke tracks instead?
9. Take A Trip On Your Own!
While traveling with a partner can be fun, sometimes it’s nice to travel alone. There are plenty of benefits to traveling solo you get to choose your activities and pace, for one thing.
You’ll also have the chance to meet new people (if you’re so inclined) and make new friends, which can be especially rewarding if you’ve gotten used to traveling with someone else.
Traveling solo means being able to go anywhere at any time without having to consult anyone else first; if you want lunch on Tuesday instead of Friday, no problem!
It also means that when something goes wrong say your flight is delayed it’s only affecting you and what happens next is entirely up to you: book another flight? Take an Uber? Or just hang out in the airport until your original plane arrives?
All told, there’s no reason not to try some solo travel this summer, and even if it doesn’t lead anywhere else
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10. Find And Fix Something Broken Around Your House
The most common things that break around a house are:
The toilet. If you have a running toilet, it’s probably because the flapper valve is broken. The flapper is a rubber piece that helps seal the hole in your tank so it doesn’t leak when you flush.
To fix this problem, simply remove your tank lid and replace the flapper with one from an auto parts store or home improvement store. It should take less than 20 minutes.
A leaky faucet can also be fixed by replacing the washer on top of each spout just unscrew the cap and pop out your old washer (you’ll need pliers). Then buy new ones at any hardware store; they cost less than $2 per piece and only take about five minutes to install!
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11. Organize Your Desk/Nightstand / Make-Up Drawer — Whatever Needs It
You can’t say that you’re a grownup if your home is still “in the process of being organized.” It’s time to get serious about cleaning and reorganizing.
Put everything on your desk/nightstand/make-up drawer (whatever needs it) out of the drawer and onto your table. If there are things that don’t belong in this space, throw them away or put them elsewhere.
Organize the rest by category: pens, notebooks, envelopes, tissues… Don’t forget to clean the inside of the drawer before putting things back in!
12. Do Some Online Shopping
There’s nothing quite like shopping for the holidays. There’s an excitement in knowing that your gift will be just right, or that it’ll make their day. But what if there are no stores open? Don’t worry, you can still shop online!
All you need is an internet connection and a bit of patience to wait for your package to arrive, which should be within 3-5 days after being shipped.
And remember: if time is running out before Christmas (or Hanukkah), many stores have next-day shipping options available so you’re not stuck waiting too long!
Here are some great places to start:
- Clothing, accessories, and shoes from Target
- Electronics from Best Buy
- Home decor from home Goods or Wayfair
- Food delivery services include FoodPanda, Uber Eats, and Amazon Restaurants.
13. Play A Board Game, Video Game, Or Sport With Someone You Love
You can play board games with your friends, or you can play video games with your friends. But if you’ve got a group of people who want to do something active and competitive, playing sports is probably the ticket.
Play a board game, video game, or sport with someone you love.
Board games are an easy way to get into the holiday spirit: there are dozens of titles out there designed for any number of players (and often one person’s favorite game will differ from another’s).
Some great options are Monopoly, Risk (if you’re feeling adventurous), and Settlers of Catan a fun strategy game that’s easy enough for anyone to learn and enjoy playing together as a family or group of friends.
You can also try some modern versions like Cards Against Humanity or Exploding Kittens if those sound more appealing than traditional tabletop fare!
Video games are another great way to spend time with others while also enjoying some quality time with yourself there’s plenty available at local stores like GameStop these days too so make sure not all those gift cards go unused! Check out our top picks below:
14. Visit A Museum You’ve Never Been To Before!
Museums are a great way to learn about the world, whether it’s through art or science. They’re also free! Many museums also offer programs for kids and families, so it’s easy to spend an afternoon together learning something new without having to spend any money at all.
Some local museums even offer annual membership plans that can save you money on admission in the long run.
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15. Try Something New. Learn Something
Try a new recipe. It’s summer, so get some fresh veggies and have fun cooking something that you haven’t tried before. You might even surprise yourself with how good you are at it!
Learn something new. If you want to get your feet wet, try learning one new thing this week (Spanish vocabulary or how to dance salsa).
Or dive in head first: sign up for an online course on Udemy or Coursera or Skillshare (there are plenty of free options as well!) and go from zero knowledge to legit expert status in your field of choice by the end of the seven days!
Read a book or several books! It doesn’t matter if they’re fiction or nonfiction; just pick up anything that interests you and dive right into it!
You could also try an audiobook I’ve found them incredibly helpful when I’m doing chores around the house because they require less brain power than reading does while still providing me with entertainment.”
16. Write A Thank-You Note
While there are lots of reasons to write a thank-you note, this is an especially important one during the holidays. It’s also a nice way to show appreciation for kind words or actions that your friends and family have given during the year.
If you’re feeling extra creative, try writing notes on real paper instead of emailing them it will likely mean more!
And don’t forget about sending one to yourself; it’ll make you feel good when you reread it later on down the road (and keep those pesky resolutions in check).
You don’t need much more than a pen and paper (or computer) for this activity either; just pick up something from your local store or use what you already have at home!
17. Staying Busy Is Essential When Everyone Seems To Have The Week Off!
You’re probably thinking, “But what if I’m not a rich person who can afford to do all these things?” Don’t worry! There are plenty of ways around that problem. Here’s what you can do:
- You can try doing things that don’t require a lot of time or money (like going to the park or visiting an art gallery).
- You can plan your fun activities on days off from work and school so that they don’t eat into your vacation time.
- If necessary, ask someone else if they would like to join in on whatever activity you choose so that it feels less like work and more like being social.
18. Visit Someone In The Hospital
Visiting someone in the hospital is a great way to help out. It’s something that can really make a difference to a patient, their family and friends, and even you.
The health care system is incredibly stressful for everyone involved, so visiting someone who’s there can be a nice distraction from all that stress.
Visiting also has a positive effect on your mental health: studies show it reduces depression and anxiety in patients who have recently been discharged from the hospital by as much as 33%.
Visiting also improves self-esteem and confidence as well as reduces loneliness among young adults.
You may even make new friends!
19. Clean Out Your Closet And Donate Items To A Shelter Or Clothing Drive
Cleaning out your closet is something we all need to do every once in a while, and it’s especially important when you have the time and opportunity to do so. There are so many reasons why this is such a great practice:
You can get rid of items you no longer use. This will help keep things tidy, reduce clutter, and free up space for new additions.
You may be able to donate those items that are still in good condition but just not quite right for you anymore. Many non-profits or shelters accept gently used clothing, shoes, blankets, and linens and they’re grateful for them!
If these organizations don’t accept cash as donations (which some do), consider paying it forward by volunteering at one of them instead of making an actual monetary contribution (or both!).
More people working together toward common goals like ending homelessness or poverty worldwide means more success towards those goals overall!
Even if none of your clothes fit anymore (or maybe never did!), there are plenty of other ways besides donating them where they could go toward helping others. How about making stuffed animals out of old sweaters?
Or creating quilts from scraps left over after cutting out patches on old jeans? Recycling even just one item can make a huge difference in someone else’s life today–so why not give it a shot?
20. Sign Up For An Event Or Race
There’s no better way to get out of your head than with an activity that will keep you at the moment. Signing up for a 5K can do this, as well as meet new people, challenge yourself, raise money for a cause you care about and stay in shape. The options are endless!
21. Volunteer Somewhere
Volunteering is a great way to help others, but it’s also a fun way to meet new people and learn new skills. It will give you something to talk about when you meet your friends again in September, as well as a feeling of satisfaction for what you’ve done for others.
Plus, volunteering is often one of the first steps toward starting your own business so start making connections now!
22. Go For A Hike Or A Bike Ride
If you’re looking for a way to get your heart pumping and take in some fresh air, look no further than the nearest hiking trail.
Hiking is a great way to meet new people, get away from the daily grind of life, and enjoy nature’s beauty while getting some exercise. If you’ve never tried hiking before, this is the perfect opportunity!
Conclusion
It can be hard to see everyone else in your life enjoying a week off while you are still busy with work and school.
But nothing is stopping you from having some fun too! If you take advantage of the time to do something for yourself, it will make the wait for vacation seem much shorter.
Hopefully, this list of 25 things to do while everyone else takes the week off has inspired you so that when your friends and family head out on summer break next year, you’ll be ready with plans too!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for more ideas on things to do during your week off:
Woman’s Day – 50 Fun Things to Do By Yourself Short Description: Discover a variety of enjoyable solo activities that you can engage in to make the most of your free time.
NerdWallet – Free and Cheap Things to Do in Your Free Time Short Description: Explore budget-friendly options for activities that you can do on your own, ensuring both entertainment and frugality.
Parade – 50 Best Things to Do Alone to Relax and Recharge Short Description: Uncover a collection of relaxing and recharging activities perfect for indulging in some quality “me” time.
FAQs
What are some engaging solo activities from the Woman’s Day article?
Discover a variety of enjoyable solo activities, including creative projects, outdoor adventures, and self-care practices.
How can I find cost-effective activities from NerdWallet’s article?
Explore budget-friendly options for entertainment, such as exploring local parks, attending free events, and taking advantage of library resources.
What types of relaxing activities are suggested by Parade?
Parade’s article offers suggestions for solo activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, like practicing mindfulness, reading, and trying out new recipes.
Are there outdoor activities recommended in any of the articles?
Yes, both the Woman’s Day and NerdWallet articles suggest outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring nature as enjoyable solo endeavors.
How can I balance social activities and alone time during my week off?
The articles offer a mix of solo and social activities to help you maintain a balance between spending time alone and engaging with others.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
