Work is draining. No matter how much you love your job, it will take away from the fun and passion you hold for life, and we’ve all been there. But once you learn to set boundaries and set aside time for yourself after work hours, you will feel much better in the long run. To reap the full benefits of your time after work, you should try some things to do during the week that will help you relieve stress and maximize your time. Whether that’s working out or going out shopping, there’s always something that can help you relax and destress. This article discusses nine activities to avoid burnout from work exhaustion. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Have a Wellness Afternoon
If you’re ready to unwind after a long day of work, take some time in the afternoon to focus on your wellness. A full-blown wellness afternoon will help you recover from the day’s stress. Start by setting the mood with dim lights and soothing music. This will help you create the atmosphere of a spa right in your home. Then, fill the bath and take a bubbly soak to relax your muscles. You can also pamper yourself with a face mask to rehydrate and nourish your skin. Self-care is always a good thing, especially when you’ve been dealing with so many essential things to do during the week.
This relaxing bath is comforting, but take it up a notch with some medical wellness practices. For example, you can try attending a yoga class in person or online to feel the many benefits of mindful meditation. You’re not just relaxing your body but also giving some peace to your mind. You can also try aromatherapy with essential oils, which can reduce stress depending on the scent you’re using. You can use lavender to calm your nervous system, lemon to enhance your mood, and peppermint to boost your mental function.
Of course, don’t forget the power of a good nap. Sleep helps to heal the body by relaxing every muscle and releasing tension. If you feel tired after work, just take a quick nap, and you’ll feel a boost of energy when you wake up. Try to avoid fighting the call of sleep as much as possible. The feeling of sleepiness means your body needs some rest, so acknowledge it, and your body will be ready to tackle whatever the world throws at you.
2. Ride a Horse
If you’re more adventurous, try beating the workday blues by riding a horse! Yes, it sounds so out of the blue, but it’s not just a fun activity; it’s a chance to try something new while connecting with something alive rather than a computer screen. It’s one of the best things to do during the week as it adds variety to your work week. Imagine riding a trotting horse on a grassland or rustic barn. That’s a unique experience that not everyone gets to experience. It’s also a workout, as you’ll have to hang on for dear life when the horse does its thing. This can be very therapeutic, helping to melt away stress and tension.
If you’re new to horse riding, you can easily find lessons for beginners. A seasoned rider will teach you the ropes in a safe and positive environment. And don’t worry about the bedding for horse companions because everything is well taken care of. Just show up with the right attitude; they’ll help you find your footing while riding. You might even make new friends and have a new hobby to spend most of your time on after work.
Although usually a weekend activity, you can do it a few times a week to break up the monotony of your work routine, especially if the horse ranch is not that far from where you live. Always stay safe when riding. Wear the proper helmet and riding shoes, be gentle with your horse companion, and have a can-do attitude. This will ensure you always enjoy the ride without risking your safety.
3. Visit a Golf Course
For the sporty type, golfing can be fun and relieve some stress. Golf combines fresh air, competition, and relaxation all in one activity that lets you let go of pent-up rage by swinging some clubs. It also enables you to focus on the smaller things, like a tiny hole for the golf ball, without losing sight of the bigger picture. You’ll be even more relaxed watching the sunset in the distance as the freshly cut grass rustles with the wind. It’s pure bliss.
Most golf courses have a laidback atmosphere, which is conducive to relaxation. It’s one of the best things to do during the week with some buddies who are as stressed as you are. Make sure to rent a golf cart while playing to avoid walking long distances to the next hole. These vehicles can also be joyrides where you and your friends feel like children driving a new car. Just make sure to drive safely and keep your eyes on the driveway.
Golf is not a cheap hobby, so if you worry about the cost of playing, consider taking a membership at your local golf course center. Many companies offer twilight rates during the week, which can make it more accessible to you. If you develop a passion for this sport, you can invest in your own golf clubs to personalize the experience. This post-work routine will get your office worries out of your mind for some time, enough to reenergize your body and mind for the next day.
4. Take a Workout Class
Working out is an everyday activity for many exhausted workers during the work week. Although it sounds counterintuitive, exhausting the body as much as the tired mind can help you let off some steam and loosen up your muscles that have been feeling the tension all day. If you’ve been working out by yourself for a long time, try joining a class. This will help you feel like you belong in a community focusing on progress and health. It’s genuinely one of the best things to do during the week.
There are so many workouts to try. For one, weightlifting is a popular activity if you want to look good in and out of your clothes. Pumping iron lets you build muscles and shape your body into something out of a magazine. You can also try going to a Pilates studio and working out your entire body, especially your core. If you want something more exhausting, consider spin classes. You’ll surely sweat a lot and kill your legs, but you’ll have beautifully shaped glutes and hamstrings at the end of the day.
Make sure to make some friends while working out. A workout buddy will help you enjoy exercising while having someone to hold you accountable when you’re no longer progressing in your workouts. The energy of a group setting can also help motivate you if you get tired of the routine immediately. So, stop making excuses. Get moving and crush your fitness goals today.
5. Have a Photo Session
Life is too short to go through the days without saving the memories of those special moments. If you want to memorialize these memories and have fun while doing it, consider scheduling a photo session. Photographs are good ways to preserve both special and mundane moments for the future. You want to be able to look back and see how you’ve changed through the years. Although it’s one of the less common things to do during the week, it’s certainly a fun activity to document your life.
You don’t have to be a supermodel to have a photo session. You can get some friends and family to snap pics as you bond together over fun activities like eating or going out. You can also have a more formal photo session by hiring a family portrait photographer. This professional can help you take photos worthy of getting framed in your family room. They can also direct you if you’re uncomfortable in front of the camera, which is nothing to be ashamed of.
To make these sessions more special, bring fun props with you. You can wear silly hats, glasses, elaborate costumes, and even wigs. Just schedule your appointment in advance. A photographer is usually available any day of the week, but it’s a matter of how they can accommodate you while handling other clients. Practice posing in front of the mirror, glam yourself up, and take many photos you will cherish for years.
6. Go Shopping
Everyone can benefit from a little retail therapy now and then. Indulging in a bit of shopping is one of the best things to do during the week as long as you don’t let it deplete your savings. Whether you’re looking to buy chic clothes in a luxury boutique or purchase new technology in an electronics shop, you’ll always feel the thrill of spending cash for something that will give you happiness. So browse the aisles and treat yourself to something special today to lift your spirits!
Budgeting is crucial if you want to avoid going broke while shopping. It’s easy to overspend when buying things you love, like shoes, food, or jewelry. Only bring cash you’re willing to spend to ensure you stay within budget. Leave that trusty credit card at home to limit your spending. You can also get a friend to help you rationalize your purchases. They can be your guide if you easily convince yourself that you need to buy a particular item even though you don’t need it.
Shopping during a weekday also helps you avoid large crowds and long lines. So many people take weekend outings, which usually plague shopping malls and stores. You’ll also find many great weekday deals and discounts. They entice customers to buy during the off-peak hours, so you may score a bargain or two while buying your essentials. Always be responsible while shopping and control your urges. With the proper preparation, weekday shopping can be a fun and therapeutic experience.
7. Grab a Snack
Hungry after work? Find good food to satisfy your cravings! A delicious snack or a satisfying meal is a good reward for working hard all day. You always want to eat food that fills not only your stomach but also your soul. Whether grabbing donuts from your local cafe or ordering a five-star meal in a luxury hotel, there is no shortage of delicacies to try.
You can also use food to add life to your workday. For one, grocery shopping is one of the most productive things to do during the week. You can buy ingredients and cook them before you sleep to prepare something for the morning. Some people also plan their meals for the entire week to ensure healthy portion distribution for each day. But if you’re not one of these health-conscious individuals, you can commit to visiting a different food place every day. This adds variety to the repetitive schedule of many office workers.
Depending on your craving, you can also try various cuisines to explore the food world. There are many meals, snacks, and desserts to try in one area. You may eat a filling breakfast at a local B&B, a light lunch in an Italian restaurant, and a tasty sushi platter for dinner. Whatever you’re craving, there’s always something to satisfy your palate. Go reward yourself with food because you’ve earned it!
8. Volunteer
Volunteering is a meaningful way to unwind after work. It’s one of the best things to do during the week because you can share your blessing with those who need it more. You can lend a helping hand while lightening your heart. Even if you don’t have much to offer, simply expending your energy to help distribute extra resources is always welcome. You’re also making a big difference in the world by spreading a little kindness.
Depending on what’s available in your area, you’ll have various volunteer options. For example, you can volunteer in a homeless teen program. You’ll help give shelter to teenagers who don’t have enough money to afford a place to stay. You can also mentor and tutor these youngsters or simply lend a listening ear, which can empower them through their struggles. Of course, so many animal shelters also need volunteers to tend to the needs of stray and abandoned animals. You’ll interact with lonely animals, rehabilitate them back to health, and hopefully watch them find their forever homes.
9. Be Productive
Finally, consider making the most of your time after work by crossing out some items on your to-do list. Productivity doesn’t have to mean working overtime. You can still spend your time doing important things outside of work. For example, you can focus on your health and get a medical checkup with your doctor. This ensures you’re in the best health to continue working daily. You can also schedule an overdue visit to your dentist and orthodontist to have your teeth fixed.
You may also take care of those tiny things to do during the week, from picking up groceries and getting your car checked to cleaning the house and taking your dog to the groomer. You just have to chip away at those tasks little by little, and you’ll stay productive because you’ll be balancing life and work responsibly. Make this a habit, and you’ll have plenty of time for yourself.
There are so many things to do during the week; it’s just a matter of what feels right and what doesn’t add to the stress you get from working all day. You can indulge in relaxing activities like riding horses and eating out or stay productive by caring for your personal needs. Whatever you choose to do, always aim to find balance and make the most of your downtime. Build a good life beyond the nine-to-five grind, and you’ll always find something exciting to do in life.
