80+ exciting things to do on your days off

Going through a 40+ hour work week can leave you both physically and mentally exhausted to the point where you have no idea what to do on your days off.

However, there are all kinds of fun and productive activities that you can engage in during your days off work, be it with friends and family or on your own.

Here we have prepared more than 80 things you can do when you are off work.

What to do on your days off alone

Being productive is great but remember that it is also important to disengage from work every now and then. Otherwise, you risk experiencing serious occupational burnout.

Relax and take it easy

Relaxing during your days off work will revitalize you and give you the energy for your next work week. Here are some simple relaxing activities that you can enjoy.

1. Watch a film or TV series

It's perfectly fine to just stay at home on your day off and watch a movie or a show on your favorite streaming platform. Don't forget about your favorite snacks and drinks!

2. Listen to music

Or you can simply put on some music that you enjoy and relax on your couch. The best part is that you could also do something else while you listen to your favorite tunes.

3. Progressive muscle relaxation

If you feel stiff and achy from sitting in the office the whole week, then you can try progressive muscle relaxation. This is a technique that involves tensing your muscles and releasing them to relieve your body.

4. Self-care routine

Perhaps this is the perfect time for your self-care habits. Whatever this may include, it's a great way to take your mind off things.

5. Go for a walk

Going for a brisk walk outside, even if it's just in your neighborhood, is a wonderful way to relax. You can listen to something while you walk. Also, walking is actually a great way to burn calories.

6. Go to a spa center

If you feel like it, go to the nearest spa and enjoy some relaxing procedures. Be it a sauna or a jacuzzi tub, it's a great way to relax your muscles and your mind.

7. Get a massage

If you enjoy massages, then perhaps it is time to treat yourself to one.

If you don't feel like getting a full massage, then you can try a massage chair. Some of them are really good and they are also cheap to use. You should be able to find some in the nearest mall

8. Cook

When was the last time you prepared yourself a delicious meal? Perhaps now you can pull out those recipes you always wanted to try.

9. Tidy up

Home chores like cleaning and decluttering can be quite meditative.

Usually, there are always some chores that need to be done around a household. Here are some examples:

• Declutter your home
• Clean the areas that require the most attention
• Give your appliances a deep cleaning
• Declutter your wardrobe
• Rearrange some furniture
• Decorate your living space
• Handle the laundry
• Organize your workspace
• Make a list of things you need
• Clean your computer and other devices

10. Review your finances

No matter what time of the year it is, it is always a good idea to be on top of your finances. Perhaps now is the time to check everything and make sure that you are on the right track.

11. Make a grocery list

Got everything you need for the week? Something as simple as making a grocery list is one of those mundane tasks that can help you relax while still doing something that needs to be handled.

Nourish your mind

Being on your own gives you the perfect conditions to concentrate and practice mindful activities.

12. Read

Reading, be it a book or anything else that you find curious, is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to keep your mind sharp and learn new things.

If your job involves a lot of reading and writing and you are fatigued from doing it, then you can turn to audiobooks.

13. Listen to a podcast

There are all kinds of podcasts that you can enjoy. If you have a certain interest or a hobby, you can be sure there is a podcast about it.

14. Watch a documentary

If you would like to learn more about a certain topic or issue, then perhaps you will be able to find a documentary about it. Besides, documentaries can be pretty dramatic and entertaining.

15. Journal

Putting your thoughts into writing can give interesting perspectives on life. It is entirely up to you how descriptive your journaling will be.

16. Practice gratitude

Write down 3 things you are grateful about. Do it every day for the rest of your life. It is a simple daily ritual that makes you a happier, content person.

17. Meditate

Get into a comfortable position and close your eyes. Don't think about anything in particular. Just relax, breathe deeply, and see where your mind will take you.

18. Social media detox

Whatever it is that you decide to do on your day off work, why don't get a day off social media as well? Who knows, you might find it quite enjoyable.

19. Work out

If your job is sedentary, then you need to compensate with regular exercise. Simply find a routine or a sport that you enjoy and stick to it. Here are a few popular choices.

• Running
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Rucking
• Lifting weights
• Calisthenics
• Yoga
• Dancing
• Bouldering
• Specific sports (tennis, basketball, etc.)
• Martial arts

Socialize

Just because you are alone on your day off doesn’t mean that you have to stay that way. If you feel like socializing, then you have plenty of options. Here are a few examples.

20. Go to a speakeasy

A speakeasy is a type of bar where you can have alcoholic beverages and meet new people. They are usually found in secluded areas, but they offer a relaxing atmosphere with chill music where you can easily talk to other people and enjoy your favorite drinks.

21. Go to a concert

Perhaps some musical act is performing tonight near you? Or there is some kind of music concert event happening today?

Going to music events is a wonderful way to discover new music and meet new cultured people.

22. Go to an exhibition

If you are the type of person who appreciates art, then you can visit a local exhibition. Who knows, you might see something that inspires you in a certain way.

And you can socialize with other visitors to the exhibition. There might be refreshments served.

23. Go to a dance club

Feeling like dancing? Just put on a suitable outfit and go to the nearest dance club tonight. There will be plenty of people there. You can have a couple of drinks and just let loose.

24. Go to a peaceful protest

There are plenty of injustices in this world and there are people who are willing to sit outside an official government building to demonstrate their opinion about said injustices. Who knows, you might agree with them.

25. Go to the library

Your local library can be more than just a place where you go to read long boring books silently. You can also meet lots of people who like to read. You can approach anyone and just talk about books and stuff.

26. Find a date

If you are single, then consider going on a date. You have plenty of options when it comes to dating apps. Perhaps you have an online crush as well?

Maybe you can ask them out? And in case you have a crush on one of your coworkers, then you should definitely check out our guide on how to ask them out.

Things to do on a day off with friends

Hanging out with your friends on a day off is a sure formula for having a great time. And if you feel like doing something new, then here are a few suggestions that you can try.

27. Play board games

The best way to enjoy board games is with good friends and snacks. And you have plenty of options. For example, Dixit is a popular choice and very easy to play. Some games are more strategic, while others are more luck-based. In all cases, you will have a good time.

If you like the more strategic board games, definitely give Catan a go.

28. Go on a road trip

If you have the time, then perhaps you can go out of the city and visit places nearby. Road trips are so much fun! You get to explore new places with good friends. Make sure to take plenty of photos!

29. Go hiking

All you need to do is to put on some comfortable clothes and hiking boots. The rest is easy. Make sure to take plenty of water and snacks.

A hiking trip doesn’t have to take too long. Hopefully, there are some good hiking grounds around your city.

30. Go to the beach

A trip to the beach is also a great way to spend some time with friends. Make sure to take plenty of sunscreen if you are going to be exposed to the sun for too long, and be careful if you go inside the water.

31. Donate blood

If you are willing to do some good, then perhaps you can donate some of your blood to a local medical facility. If you decide to do it, make sure to follow the instructions of the medical personnel after the procedure takes place.

32. Volunteer

There are plenty of initiatives that require volunteer work. Besides, volunteering doubles as work experience in some situations.

Simply research what local organizations require volunteer work and help them if possible.

33. Go to a karaoke bar

If you are feeling wild, then you can go sing some of your favorite songs in a karaoke bar. Sure, you might feel a little silly doing it, but usually, that goes away after a drink or two.

34. Go to an escape room

Escape rooms offer plenty of fun when you are with friends. If you haven’t been to one so far, then here is how it works: you are trapped in a room, and you have to solve riddles and clues to escape within a set time period.

Escape rooms usually have certain themes. Some are horror-themed, while others have more of a historical aspect to them.

In all cases, escape rooms are quite fun, and they can be used for fun teambuilding events.

35. Go to a laser tag facility

If you are feeling like running around, then a laser tag session could be plenty of fun. And if you want to take things to the next level, you can also research where is the nearest paintball facility.

Productive things to do on your day off

In case you are feeling productive and energetic during the weekend, then you can definitely put that energy to good use, and there are plenty of ways you can achieve that.

Catch up with work

Even if you are not at work, it doesn’t mean you can’t handle a few things in order to make your upcoming work week a bit easier.

36. Plan ahead

Think about what you have going on at work and what needs to be done next week. If you plan your work week carefully and even visualize it, you will be able to go through it a lot more smoothly.

37. Review your upcoming schedule

Think about the people that you will have to meet during the upcoming work week. Be it your coworkers, your boss, or customers, go over your schedule and make sure you are ready for all those meetings.

38. Organize your computer

Take a look at your desktop. Is it a mess? What about your files? Perhaps it is time to finally organize everything into neat folders so you’ll know where things are.

39. Organize your email

What about your email? Unopened emails? Unsend emails? This can’t go on. Imagine if your boss saw how messy and chaotic your email was. It’s time to put things in order.

40. Revisit your work from last week

Looking back at the work you have done in the past is a great way to improve and become better at your job. Think about what you could have done differently. You can be as critical to yourself as you want.

41. Strategize

Thinking strategically about your work is a wonderful way to come up with new brilliant ideas. Let your creative juices flow. Ask yourself challenging questions and think about your winning strategy.

Revise your career

Another productive route you can take during your time off work is to think about your career. Here are some points that you might want to consider.

42. Set new career goals

Where do you see yourself professionally in one year? What about in 5 years? You can use this opportunity to sit down with a notebook and envision your professional future.

43. Update your resume

When was the last time you updated your resume? Just because you don't plan to quit your job soon doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t keep your resume up to date. Besides, this is a wonderful way to reflect on yourself professionally.

44. Network

Maybe you should connect with more professionals who operate in your line of work. The best part is that now this is easier than ever because of social media platforms such as LinkedIn where you can connect with other professionals on a global scale.

45. Think of how you can improve as a professional

What other critical skills and knowledge can you obtain to become truly remarkable in your line of work? Surely there is always room for improvement. Never stop learning new things!

Start a personal project

Have you ever thought of starting something that is your own? You know, something creative that has the potential to earn you money as well? Here are a few ideas.

46. Start a blog

If you have a certain hobby, interest, or knowledge in a particular area, then you can blog about it. To start, all you need to do is to set up your blog and research what topics people are searching for on search engines.

47. Podcast

If you are more of a talker than a writer, then you can start your very own podcast. Think of the format of your podcast first and plan out your content.

Then get a recording set-up with a decent microphone and pick a platform where you’ll be uploading your podcast episodes.

48. Youtube

If creating videos is your thing, then you can start your very own Youtube channel. Thousands of people around the world are doing it, so what is stopping you?

Besides, Youtube is a great way to make some extra money. And who knows, it can become your main source of income one day.

49. Write a book

Writing a book and getting it published is one of the most fulfilling things that you could do. If you always wanted to write a book but you have no idea how to start, then The Wonderbook by Jeff VanderMeer can guide you through your writer’s journey.

50. Write a screenplay

There is more than one way to tell a great story. Writing a screenplay can be just as fulfilling for a writer as writing a book. And who knows, one day Netflix might actually turn it into a film or a show.

Start a side hustle

If you need some extra money, starting a side hustle can be a great way to earn more. Here are some examples of side hustles that are easy to start and manage.

51. Freelance

If you have a particular set of skills or expertise in a certain area, then people and companies would gladly pay for your services.

Just register on a number of freelancing platforms, set up your profiles to reflect your skills, and expect to be contacted by potential customers.

52. Transcribe audio

Transcribing audio doesn't require much effort. You simply listen to a recording and put it into writing. Make sure to spell-check your text at the end.

53. Translate

If you know a certain language well, then you work as a freelance translator in your free time.

Besides, there are plenty of software options that will make it easier for you to translate the bulk of the text.

All you need to do is to fix the incorrect, poorly translated bits and polish the text before you forward it.

54. Product testing

Testing products and giving manufacturers feedback can be quite fun. They simply send you the products, and you use them as intended. In some cases, you even get to keep the products.

55. Babysitting

Babysitting is a very responsible job, and it is definitely not for everybody. But if you are good with kids, then you can give it a try.

56. Online coaching

If you have knowledge and expertise in a certain area, then you can help people to achieve their goals. And you will find that they are more than willing to pay you for your services.

57. Promote brands for commissions

Do you have a lot of followers on social media? If you are able to provide extra value through your content, then you can explore the option of getting brand deals to promote certain products.

58. Tutor students

If you were particularly good in a certain school subject, then you help other students to pass their exams. You can work with high-school students and/or college goers.

59. Resell clothes

Thrift shopping can be a lot of fun. And if you are able to find well-preserved clothes and resell them online, then you can make a few extra hundred dollars per month.

60. Sell stock photos

Love photography? Be it nature, landscapes, animals, or people that you love to take photos of, there are thousands of websites that would buy your photos.

61. Rent out your car

Do you own a car that you don't use as often? You can rent it out to other people who want to travel around your area.

Learn a new skill

Learning new things and enriching yourself as a person is a wonderful way to spend your free time when you are not working.

Besides, you are not limited to skills that are relevant to your job and career path.

62. Learn a new language

Every person should know at least one other language that isn't English. It is an almost magical way to experience another culture.

63. Negotiation

Mastering negotiation is a valuable skill that can help you to win both professional and personal exchanges.

Never Split The Difference by Chriss Voss is probably one of the best books ever written on the subject.

64. Graphic design

The visual medium is another creative field to explore. You can easily obtain graphic design skills through free video tutorials found online.

65. Video and audio production

Creating videos and mastering audio editing can open all kinds of professional and creative options for you.

66. Coding

Learning to code is now easier than ever, with vast access to know-how available online for free. Besides, it is one of the most popular career paths nowadays.

67. Data analysis and statistics

Data is one of the most valuable resources. Drawing conclusions from data and statistics is a valuable skill with lots of lucrative opportunities.

68. Drawing

Drawing is not something that comes easily to all people but it can be learned through hard work and determination.

From then on, you can nurture your creative expression and pursue professional endeavors.

69. Public speaking

Speaking in front of an audience can be scary. Becoming good at it takes time and practice, especially if you are somebody who has stage fright and social anxiety.

70. Creative writing

Writing is one of the most accessible forms of expression. And this is precisely what makes it challenging to excel at.

But no matter what type of writing you are interested to learn, you will find a vast number of free resources available online to guide you.

71. Cooking

Learning how to cook is a lot of fun. If you love food, then learning how to prepare in creative ways will give you even more joy. Especially if you cook for the people you love.

72. Survival skills

Wouldn't you be happy to know a thing or two about how to survive when the apocalypse comes? What about if you are ever stranded in a forest or a mountain?

You never know when you might need to start a fire from scratch or find food in the wild.

73. Driving

Some people never get to learn to drive. If you've never had the chance, then consider starting driving lessons. Who knows, you might turn out to be quite the driver.

74. Self-defense

Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts are popular combat sports that offer amazing self-defense capabilities.

But you are not limited to them, as there are thousands of martial arts and disciplines that you can explore.

75. Learn to play an instrument

Perhaps you have musical talent? If you ever wanted to learn the guitar or the piano, then now is your time.

You can pay for private lessons, or you can watch free tutorials online. The choice is yours.

76. Singing

Vocal coaches would be the first to tell you that everyone can learn to sing. Besides, it might turn out that you have a beautiful singing voice that fits a certain genre perfectly.

77. Photography

You might have a talent for capturing moments in photos. But photography is a lot more than just pointing at a camera and pressing a button.

There are certain principles that you need to understand as you begin your photography journey.

78. Pottery

Pottery is the craft of creating dishes and other objects from clay. It is an art in itself. If you ever wanted to create something with your hands, then perhaps this skill can also double as a new relaxing hobby for you.

79. Gardening and plant care

Growing plants takes knowledge and precision. If you would like to start a garden around your house, then this could turn into the perfect learning experience for you.

80. Carpentry

If you are drawn to wooden objects and surfaces, then you can take carpentry as a hobby. It's one of those skills which will only become more valuable with time as there are fewer and fewer carpenters each year.

81. Electrical skills

There might come a day when everything runs on electricity. Understanding how electricity runs and fixing things that use it will be more than useful in the years and decades to come.

82. Handyperson skills

A handyperson is a general term used to describe somebody who is good with power tools and instruments. Handypeople are usually hired to fix or install things in properties.