VirtualVocations

How to Make the Most of A Day Off

You've taken the day off. In the U.S., days off are fewer than the average for most developed countries, and that's too bad. It's actually good for us to have time off occasionally. When Americans do take a day off, we're often wracked with guilt and end up working at least a little anyway. But that's not what a day off is meant for. Unless you're sick, or have a responsibility to tend to, you're probably taking time off to get away from the job and have some fun (that's not to say that your job is drudgery), so make the most of it.

It's important to not end up working your job on your day off. Plan ahead so that you are caught up on work and you aren't feeling guilty or panicked about what you've left to do when you return to your home office. Planning ahead is the first step to enjoying your time away from work.

Now that you're prepared, do what it is that you look forward to doing when you think about taking time off. Do you daydream about lounging in bed all day? Then do it! Maybe you look forward to accompanying your child's class on a field trip to the museum. Make the most of it. Your child will be thrilled that you're there and spending time with her and her class.

If you do leave work on your desk that you're concerned about, try to have a plan of how you will catch up, but try not to postpone the day you've especially waited for, unless you absolutely must. Remember, the key is to plan ahead.

A special day off from work probably shouldn't be spent running errands and grocery shopping. That stuff is for your regular time away from work. With careful planning the mundane functions of living can be arranged so that they don't take up a lot of valuable time in your day-to-day life, and don't creep into special time you've taken off.

Remember, time off is very important to replenish your energy and to keep you from burn out. Don't put yourself in the position of working 24/7. You'll be better on the job and with you family if you take time for yourself once in a while. Employers appreciate workers who are refreshed and ready to go, not burnt out and feeling overwhelmed. If you have good time management skills, you can plan ahead for your day off and simply enjoy it.

Posted:Thursday, November 01, 2007