Did you know that a day off is more than just an opportunity to sleep in and do nothing?

Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life can help clear your mind, boost your creativity, and re-energize you. Whether you choose to spend it relaxing or being productive, making the most of your day off can be extremely rewarding.

If you need ideas for what to do on your day off, here they are! We’ve included 58 ideas for what to do on your day off so you can make the most of it!

What To Do On Your Day Off

1. Go For A Walk:

A simple stroll around your neighborhood or nearby park is one of the best ways to live in the moment, get fresh air, and clear your head.

2. Spend Time With Friends And Family:

Whether you stay in and catch up with phone calls or go out to Explore, spending time with your loved ones is always a great use of your time! (If you need ideas for what to do, check out our Ultimate List of Fun Things to Do With Friends.)

3. Have A Spa Day:

Pamper yourself with a hot bath and face mask, and give your skin some much-needed TLC.

4. Cook A Special Meal:

Whether you’re making something from scratch or trying out a new recipe, cooking is an excellent way to challenge yourself in the kitchen. And you’ll have a delicious meal to enjoy when you’re done!

5. Enjoy A Movie Marathon:

Pick out some films you’ve wanted to watch and spend the entire day curled up on the couch with some snacks.

6. Catch Up On Your Reading:

Read to learn something new, get lost in another world, or relax. Your mind will thank you for it!

7. Stretch It Out:

Take some time to do a few yoga poses or take a Pilates class. Keeping your body in shape and flexible will keep you feeling energized and help prevent injuries in the future.

8. Declutter Your Home:

A simple life is a happy life. Go through your closet and wardrobe and get rid of things you don’t need anymore. Donate them to charity or sell them online – it’s a great way to make some extra money and help someone out in the process!

9. Update Your Bedroom:

Take time to clean and organize your bedroom – make the bed, wash the sheets, and eliminate clutter. Treat yourself to new bedding or artwork to make it feel even cozier and easier to fall asleep at nighttime!

10. Check Items Off Your To-Do List:

Knock out all those small tasks that you’ve been putting off. Paying bills, doing laundry, responding to emails – take care of them all in one day, and you’ll feel so productive!

11. Make Or Update Your Bucket List:

Write down all the places, experiences, and adventures you want to have in life. You’re more likely to make things happen if you Write them down!

12. Learn Something New

Pick up a new hobby or skill by taking an online course, reading a book on the subject, or attending a workshop. Developing new skills improves your confidence and makes life more interesting!

13. Exercise:

Take advantage of your free time and get your sweat on. Go for a run, do a HIIT workout, or dance around the house! When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which can help lift your mood and make you feel great!

14. Tend To Your Garden:

Even if you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, tending to a few potted plants or flowers is an excellent way to give back to the environment and help clean your air.

15. Reminisce In Photos:

Look through old photos or albums to bring back memories and share them with friends and family. You can even create a new album or scrapbook of your favorite images!

16. Reorganize Your Home:

Refresh the look of your home by rearranging furniture or changing up décor and artwork. With a few simple changes, you’ll be surprised at how much better your home looks and feels.

17. Have An At-Home Picnic:

Gather some tasty snacks, a blanket, and a good book to create the perfect picnic – all in the comfort of your own home!

18. Binge-Watch Your Favorite TV Show:

Catch up on all the episodes you’ve missed or dive into a new show everyone is talking about. Watching TV can help you relax and unwind.

19. Clean Out Your Computer:

Organize all your files, delete any old or unused programs, and free up some space on your hard drive. You’ll be thrilled when you finish and experience how much faster your computer works!

20. Host Game Night:

Gather friends or family members and have a night of competition with classic board games, card games, and more.

21. Take A Trip To The Museum:

Visit a local museum or art gallery and learn something new about the world around you.

22. Go Shopping:

Treat yourself by going out shopping. Support a local business or make it a game to find a great bargain to save money. Of course, you don’t have to buy anything – window shopping can be just as fun! 

23. Take Up Journaling:

Express yourself and document your thoughts by writing down your ideas, dreams, and memories in a journal. Journaling is one of the best ways to destress, clear your head, and get creative.

24. Catch Up On Some Writing:

Write that story or poem you’ve been thinking about, create a blog post to share your thoughts with the world, or put together some content for work. Writing can be therapeutic and gratifying!

25. Start A New DIY Project:

Start a new project, like building a birdhouse or painting a picture. Doing something with your hands can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying.

26. Take A Class:

Learn a new skill by signing up for an online class or tutorial. There are classes available for anything you’re interested in! For a unique new skill, try calligraphy, candle-making, or pottery.

27. Get Creative With Arts And Crafts:

Create something unique and artsy with supplies like paint, paper, clay, etc. Arts and crafts can be calming and help open your mind to new ideas.

28. Get Centered With Meditation:

Take a few minutes out of the day to clear your mind. Meditation looks easy but actually requires a lot of practice – so use your day off to get better at it!

29. Visit A Local Farmer’s Market:

Stop by a farmer’s market to buy some fresh fruits, vegetables, and local treats. Not only are these items healthier than what you get in supermarkets, but they also help support small businesses in your area.

30. Relax In A Café:

Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and spend a few hours relaxing at your favorite café. Enjoy the atmosphere of the place, observe the people around you, and reflect on your day.

31. Go On A Hike:

Hiking is an excellent way to connect with nature and explore new places. Even if you don’t live near a mountain, there are plenty of trails and parks you can stroll through.

32. Take Up Photography:

Photography is a great way to capture moments in time and explore your creative side. You don’t need expensive equipment, just a camera, and your imagination!

33. Try A New Restaurant:

Treat yourself to a special dinner at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. It’s always fun to explore new places and try something new!

34. Play Video Games:

Video games are a fun way to let your mind get wholly absorbed in a different world. Even if you don’t usually play, it’s worth trying.

35. Create A Vision Board:

Gather magazines, scissors, and glue to create a vision board for your goals and dreams. A vision board will help you stay focused and motivated!

36. Go To The Beach:

Head to the beach and feel the sand between your toes, listen to the waves crashing against the shore, or take a dip in the ocean. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

37. Go Stargazing:

Look at the night sky with a telescope or binoculars and admire the stars. Stargazing is an excellent way to put everything in perspective and appreciate the beauty of the universe.

38. Attend A Concert:

Check out your local events calendar for upcoming concerts that you can attend. Live music is always a great way to energize you and have fun!

39. Write A Letter:

Put your thoughts on paper and write a letter. It’s a great way to express yourself and connect with people – even if you don’t send it.

40. Write Yourself A Letter:

Take time to write yourself a letter and reflect on all the amazing things you’ve achieved. It’ll help boost your confidence when you’re reminded of how far you’ve come.

41. Go On A Mini Road Trip:

Choose a close by destination and take a mini road trip. Not only is it fun to get away, but you can also use this opportunity to explore new places and meet new people.

42. Visit A Local Animal Shelter:

Take some time to volunteer at an animal shelter or pet rescue center and give back to the community. You’ll love the feeling of helping an animal in need!

43. Learn A New Language:

Start learning a new language to expand your horizons and increase your knowledge. Plenty of online courses are available that make it easy to get started.

44. Take A Dance Class:

Get your body moving and have some fun while doing it. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can pick up a move or two!

45. Attend A Sports Game:

Cheer on your favorite team and enjoy the excitement of a live sports game. Go to the stadium or find a local venue showing the game on TV.

46. Enjoy Karaoke Night:

Sing your heart out and have a blast with friends at a karaoke bar. Let the memories from the songs you love transport you to another time and place.

47. Host A Potluck Or BBQ:

Invite some friends over for a potluck or BBQ in your backyard. It’s the perfect way to celebrate with your favorite people and enjoy delicious food!

48. Visit A Zoo Or Aquarium:

Spend the day learning about animals at a zoo or aquarium. Watching animals in their natural habitats will help you appreciate the natural world.

49. Be A Tourist In Your Own City:

Take a tour of your own city and explore the places you never knew existed. You’ll be surprised at how much there is to learn about your hometown!

50. Explore A New Town:

Pick a nearby town you’ve never been to and explore it for the day. Stop by quaint little shops, restaurants, or museums – discovering something new is always fun!

51. Attend A Comedy Show:

Laugh out loud and enjoy a night of comedy. You’ll come away smiling and feeling energized!

52. Go On A Food Tour:

Taste the best local dishes on a guided food tour. You’ll have a chance to try unique cuisines and meet new people in the process!

53. Go On A Ghost Tour:

Explore the spooky side of your city on a ghost tour. Even if you don’t believe in the supernatural, hearing the stories and learning about local history is still fun.

54. Mentor Someone:

Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring someone. It’s a great way to give back and make a difference in someone else’s life.

55. Organize Your Finances:

Take some time to review your budget, update spending plans, or check for any errors on bills or statements. Consider taking a personal finance course. All of these things will help you feel more secure about your financial situation and make it easier to manage your finances in the future.

56. Write Your Will:

Take the time to write your will. You may not want to think about it now, but it’s important to have everything in order in case something unexpected happens. Getting this done will improve your peace of mind.

57. Create A Gratitude List:

Remind yourself of all the good in your life. Write down a list of all you’re grateful for, and you’ll feel even more content than when you started.

58. Take A Nap:

Sometimes, the best thing to do on your day off is nothing at all. Catch up on some much-needed rest and take a nap – you deserve it!

Final Thoughts

We hope these ideas have inspired you to make the most of your days off. Whether you choose to relax and unwind or be productive, make sure that your day off is one that you separate from your work life and keep to your personal life, doing something that replenishes and energizes you.

Need help deciding what to do? Don’t worry! You can combine multiple ideas into a super fun-filled day or choose one to do today and look forward to the next one on your next day off. Frequently, anticipation is just as enjoyable, if not more enjoyable, as the activity itself!

No matter how you spend it, take a break from your everyday life and enjoy your day off! You deserve to be happy!

Need more happiness inspiration? The a little dose of happy blog offers even more tips and tricks for improving your overall well-being.

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at these:

• How To Be Happy: Our Guide To Finding Happiness
• How To Be Happy Alone (Live A Fulfilled Life)
• How To Find Your Happy Place (And Why You Should)
• A Collection Of 50 Happy Thoughts For Instant Happiness