It is no secret that the shift to remote work has fundamentally changed the way we approach our jobs. The once-clear lines between work time and personal time have blurred, with many of us finding ourselves constantly connected and accessible. This constant connection has its downsides. A recent poll paints a concerning picture: a whopping 69% of respondents reported experiencing burnout after transitioning to remote work.
This isn’t surprising. The same poll found that 59% of respondents said they were taking less time off work than they would in a traditional office setting. With fewer clear breaks and the allure of “just checking one more thing” readily available, it’s easy to see how vacations and personal time can fall by the wayside.
As we continue to navigate this new normal of remote work, it’s crucial to prioritize relaxation and recharging. By taking active steps to combat burnout and stress, we can ensure long-term well-being and maintain productivity. This means setting boundaries, scheduling breaks, and disconnecting from work during off-hours. But it also means embracing activities that help us unwind and de-stress.
Relax: Break-Free From The Cycle
Thankfully, scattered throughout the year are national holidays, gifting us with precious long weekends – built-in mini-vacations that don’t require dipping into your precious vacation days! These extended breaks offer a golden opportunity for rejuvenation. With increased glorious hours at your disposal, you can finally catch up on sleep, unwind from the daily grind, and truly recover. Experts even suggest that frequent, shorter getaways can be more beneficial in the long run than the traditional one or two big vacations per year.
There are several reasons for this. First, long weekends require less “lift-off.” While a vacation might seem like the ultimate escape, the reality is that planning, traveling, and adjusting to a new environment can be stressful. Sometimes, simply doing nothing for a long weekend can be a more effective way to recharge. Second, extended vacations often come with a hefty price tag. Holiday weekends, on the other hand, present a perfect opportunity for a budget-friendly “staycation.” You can explore your local area, indulge in some self-care, or simply relax at home while wanting to save money.
Additionally, it has been claimed that taking a few days off for a relaxing weekend, rather than eight or nine, makes it simpler to disengage. It might be tough to stomach abstaining from work for a whole week, but a simple long weekend? That is far more doable.
While the holiday weekend is a welcome break, what are some relaxing things to do at home during long weekends to ensure you return to work feeling refreshed and renewed? We’ve got six fantastic suggestions to help you unwind and recharge over the holidays!
Make contact with a former classmate or workplace
Maintaining social connections is crucial. It benefits people in various ways, including enhanced mental health, a feeling of safety and security, and the development of long-term, trusted relationships that you can rely on during times of crisis.
Because you won’t be chatting with employees on Teams or other platforms during the holiday weekend, use that mental energy to contact or text an old buddy. You’re likely to feel renewed and energized after the talk.
Take in some fresh air
Healthy Lifestyle in a Pine Estate Condo in Davao
We all know that spending time outdoors in nature is beneficial to our health, but how helpful is it? Scientific studies may astound you. Spending time in a natural green space has been associated with a lowered risk of cardiovascular illness and premature mortality and an increase in sleep length.
Given that most of us spend our days at a desk or in a home office, taking the opportunity to step outdoors on a long weekend will be pretty helpful. If you’re interested in hiking or other outdoor activities, check out websites like AllTrails for the most up-to-date information on trails and parks around you.
Shop for home and office décor
It is an excellent excuse to visit shopping malls, and who doesn’t love shopping?! While this is a job-related exercise, it is a pleasant design-related activity that will help you get enthusiastic about returning to work the following week. By purchasing some amusing imitation plants, picture frames, or other accessories for your remote workplace, you can personalize and gain control over your work location and hours.
According to research, adding personal touches to your environment encourages individuals to take ownership of their place, hence “beneficially affecting cognitive and mental processes.” Who wouldn’t want to spend their Saturday morning or their Tuesday morning meetings looking at a nice framed image of their dog?
Maintain an organized personal calendar
It is sometimes beneficial, and even necessary, to spend time managing your life during a long weekend. Our schedules are often jam-packed with back-to-back work meetings, deadlines, and other business obligations throughout the week. During a long weekend, you may devote significant time to reviewing your calendar, scheduling quality time with friends, and ensuring that you’re scheduling enough time for yourself.
If you’re feeling fancy, you may use a service like Hive to manage all of your chores, appointments, and deadlines in a single productivity tool. If you’re looking for a way to arrange meetings, dates, or other plans in Hive, consider utilizing the Calendar view.
Establish a “tech-free” period
We constantly check our phones, smartphones, Apple Watches, PCs, and iPads. According to research, Americans check their phones 80 times a day or once every 12 minutes. It will be pretty tough to rest if you continuously check your phone or monitor your emails.
Over a long weekend, schedule a few hours of “no technology” time during which you may pursue a new hobby, exercise, socialize with friends (socially distant, of course), or engage in any fun family activity. You’ll be astonished at how much comfort you experience when you reduce your phone use. Additionally, it will reduce the probability of you experiencing tech fatigue throughout the workweek.
Take up a new book
You’ve undoubtedly heard this a million times, but it bears repeating how critical and beneficial reading can be for your mental health. It has been shown that reading a book, even as little as 20 pages per day, may help us enter a peaceful meditative state while also increasing our sympathetic capacity, mental flexibility, and creativity.
Whatever you do on your weekend, it’s critical to take time away from your job, chores, and obligations. Taking time off has been scientifically proven to increase your productivity and creativity, increase your appreciation and enjoyment of your profession, and enhance your general health. The advantages of taking time off, both psychologically and physically, are too compelling to ignore.
Have an at-home Spa Day
During a long weekend, there’s nothing quite like an at-home Spa Day to help you unwind and hit the ground running when you return to work. It’s a chance to create a relaxing sanctuary in your own home, complete with pampering treatments and a focus on self-care. Imagine dimming the lights, putting on some calming music, and drawing a warm bath. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile to the bathwater. These natural scents can create a truly serene atmosphere and promote relaxation. Combine that with a DIY face mask, a soothing body scrub, and maybe even a calming cup of herbal tea, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for de-stressing and feeling refreshed for the week ahead. So, why not turn your long weekend into a personal spa retreat? Your mind and body will thank you!
Bubble Bath
Only a few are as effective at melting away stress as a luxurious bubble bath, making it a perfect activity for a relaxing long weekend at home. The warm water itself works wonders on tight muscles. It increases blood flow, which helps to loosen tension and soothe aches. Imagine sinking into a tub of steaming water and feeling your worries melt away with every sigh. Beyond just being fun to play with, the bubbles in a bubble bath can actually enhance relaxation. They create a soft, insulating layer that keeps the warmth in and adds a gentle massaging effect on your skin. This can further promote muscle relaxation and leave you feeling pampered. A bubble bath allows you to create a multi-sensory experience that promotes relaxation. Dim the lights, light some scented candles, and put on some calming music. This creates a tranquil atmosphere that helps to quiet your mind and de-stress.
Movie Night
Long weekends offer the perfect opportunity for a movie marathon! Pick a genre you love, or choose a series you’ve been meaning to catch up on. Curling up on the couch and watching a string of movies is a great way to unwind and lose yourself in a world of entertainment.
Movies offer a chance to escape from your daily routine and immerse yourself in a different story. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a hilarious comedy, or a heartwarming drama, losing yourself in a good film can be a great way to de-stress and forget about your worries. Movie Night allows you to create a relaxing atmosphere in your own home. Dim the lights, grab some comfy blankets and pillows, and settle in on the couch. This simple act of creating a cozy environment can instantly promote relaxation.
Do Some Yoga or Meditation
Yoga and meditation are great ways to relax your mind and body. There are many different types of yoga and meditation, so you can find one that suits your needs. Yoga can help to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, while meditation can help to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote relaxation.
Get Creative
If you’re looking for a way to relax and express yourself creatively, there are many different activities you can try. Paint, draw, write, sculpt, play music, or dance. There are no rules, so just let your creativity flow.
Learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill can be a great way to challenge yourself and keep your mind active. There are many different skills you can learn, such as cooking, playing an instrument, or speaking a new language. Learning a new skill can be a rewarding experience that can help you to feel more accomplished.
Relax at Your Camella Home
In Camella, to spend quality time alone or with your family at home is definitely the best relaxation that money cannot buy.
Extended weekends allow you to focus on your mental health and well-being. Plan a week ahead and we hope you can use some of these suggestions and tactics to unwind and rejuvenate during the upcoming long weekend.
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