The following is an hour-by-hour schedule of my DREAM day off. There’s a lot happening but I’m an active rester. So a day that’s half productive a the personal sense and half actual dedicated rest is what actually fills my cup. Also, a special day like this doesn’t have to arise in response to intense burn out or anything. I would opt for one of these a month if it’s feasible for you.
8am - wake up naturally and eat a breakfast that you’re genuinely excited about (For me, this would be French toast on the couch while watching a morning show to lean in to the nostalgia of the day off)
9am - movement for at least 30 minutes. Move your body in a way that doesn’t create too much impact. Also, ideally we’re doing this outside. It might sound silly but breathing in fresh air and getting some sunlight can do a lot to make you feel reset. Especially if you don’t get to do this throughout the week while at work, prioritising an outdoor activity is key.
9:45am - Change your sheets, wipe surfaces, general tidy. A re-set of your physical space is the first step to feeling re-set within yourself.
10:30am - shower and skincare (the everything shower will be happening later, this is just to wash the morning off)
11:00am - shopping trip and errands
- 30 minutes to drop off dry cleaning, pick up parcels, send that Depop order you’ve been meaning to drop off
- Pick up some supplies for a new hobby if you don’t already have one, if the learning curve for a new hobby feels like too much for what’s supposed to be a restful day, pick up a new book or a new puzzle
- Ingredients for a yummy dinner - an instagram recipe you’ve wanted to try or something from that cook book you never open
- Buy yourself a treat - whether it’s a sweet treat, a restock of a self-care product, or a bigger piece that you’ve been eyeing
1:00pm - lunch. I recommend a sandwich or bagel place you’ve been wanting to try. Sit in and read or listen to music.
2:00pm - rest at home. If you have a hobby or interest this is when I would do it. It can also be time for sitting to read, doing a puzzle or scrolling through Pinterest (on the laptop, not the phone. This is important but idk why) this is a nice restful time that still engages you. Even a nap here could be amazing.
4:30pm - get a massage. This is definitely a special treat but it’s a special occasion, so it’s fully warranted.
6:00pm - Cook dinner. I love cooking, and if you don’t I’ll understand if you prefer to order in. But, if cooking is something that can be relaxing for you, pop on some headphones with a good playlist or a podcast you like and slowly start prepping. Working through a new recipe with no rush will allow you to enjoy the process as a part of rest (rather than it being a chore).
7:00pm - the everything shower of your dreams, whatever that looks like for you. Then, full skincare, LED, masks, whatever your 100% full throttle self-care looks like.
8:00pm - bed time. Seem’s early but the night’s not over yet. Bring back out your hobbies from earlier alongside your favourite show. I’d go for some guilty pleasure housewives or an old classic like modern family or the office.
9:30-10:00pm - start winding down for sleep. Read a bit of your book or do a meditation. Just something that allows your mind to start drifting off (like not scrolling tiktok sorry).
And that’s that, my perfect day off schedule. While I have written this because I love sharing advice, I’m mostly doing it to document my own perfect day so that I can come back to it. But let me know if you take any of this day and make it your own! Would love to hear about it / see photos!!