How to design the most restful possible day off
Imagine a day off that leaves you feeling truly rejuvenated. A day where stress melts away, productivity is not the goal, and rest takes center stage. Let's delve into the art of designing such a day, prioritizing relaxation and personal well-being.
When you like what you do and care about doing it well, it’s easy to get caught in cycles.
Rest, rest, rest!
- Many of us that like to work and hack our productivity often miss out on maybe the most overlooked key to productivity we have. Rest!
Step by step:
Sleep until you wake up
- Allow yourself to start the day in your own world, at your own pace, without external stimuli
- Lay in bed and think about the day ahead of you
- The fun part: we’re going to eat what we want, watch whatever we want and sit around
- Fill your day with some activity
- Healthy and active
- Brain off
- Do the right thing for you
Don’t worry about tomorrow
As the day winds up, you might feel an inclination to prepare for or otherwise get a jump start on the next day by checking email, or making a calendar or to-do list. Do not do that.
- The version of a perfect Day Off that most speaks to me as a truly is one where I simply do not think of work for the entire day.
It’s harder now with the lines blurred
In these new recent times, the line between rest and work, and the spaces in which we do them, are blurred like never before
- Productive time feels like it’s constantly bleeding focus
- It’s difficult to differentiate your “work” and “play” brain spaces
- You forget what a balanced life even looks like
Thoughtfulness and intention
Set a clear-eyed expectation of sorts for how your day is going to go, and do your best to make sure it happens
- Check in with yourself: how are you feeling, what do you need, and how can you refuel?
- Adjust your activity today to get as close to equilibrium as possible
- What activities feel like they drain life-force from you, and what makes you feel more energetic?