Taking a Real Day Off: How to Actually Unwind

If you’ve tried taking a day off before but never felt like it was an actual day off—and instead felt like you were using all your brain power to try and not think about all the errands that need to be done—you might not know how to actually unwind properly.

Most of us are so busy trying to get everything done while maintaining composure and a good lifestyle that we get lost in the storm of it all and experience executive dysfunction. This is a state when you just can’t bring yourself to do anything, even though you’re aware of how much needs to be done. It’s one of the most draining states your mind can be in.

The solution of a day off won’t come as a surprise to anyone, since it’s common to tell a person who looks like they might need a break that they need a day off. And it is a great solution to keep yourself together. Taking a day off can be one of the most beneficial things a busy person can do.

What is a “day off”?

During a day off, you can do one of two things:

1. Take a break from everything.
   Things like grabbing a bag of your favourite snack and cozying up to binge a new show, going outside for a nice walk with a cup of tea, or even just laying in bed for half the day.
2. Seek out fun and exciting activities.
   Things like going to a theme park or festival with friends, or even going on a shopping spree.

The kind of day off you choose to have entirely depends on your needs. Have you been working on a dull project for days that just needed to be done? Or maybe you’ve had so much going on in terms of work, relationships, personal life, etc.

How do you not take a day off?

We need to get this over with before we talk about anything else. First off, taking a day off is not the same as skipping work or avoiding your to-do list, despite popular belief.

If you spend your whole “day off” doom-scrolling, constantly thinking about what you should be doing, or trying to squeeze in at least a few tasks out of guilt, you’re not really taking a day off. You’re just procrastinating while still mentally staying in work mode, which can leave you even more drained than before.

So what does a real day off look like?

A real day off is intentional, or setting the day up in a way that prioritizes rest or joy on purpose. You aren’t required to earn it. You don’t need to finish every task or prove that you’ve been “productive enough” to deserve a break. Needing rest is a valid reason on its own.

And most importantly, it feels different. You come out of it with a clearer head. Not always 100% recharged, but noticeably less overwhelmed. (Yes, this means taking a day to unwind can actually be productive in the long run!)

Tips to make your day more restorative:

1. Set boundaries in advance
   If you feel that it’s necessary, it’s okay to people know you’ll be unavailable. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and don’t tell yourself “I’ll just check one email” unless you’re fine with temporarily falling back into work mode.
2. Don’t guilt yourself
   Reminder yourself that you’re not lazy for needing a break. You’re human. Guilt will ruin the point of taking time off in the first place.
3. Leave space in your schedule unplanned
   During a day off, not every hour needs to be scheduled. Instead, try making a list of things you’d can do to unwind.

Final Thoughts

The goal of taking a day off is to reconnect with yourself in a way that’s impossible when your mind is constantly in go-mode, rather than escaping life altogether.

Burnout doesn’t always look like a breakdown. Sometimes it just looks like numbness, forgetfulness, irritability, or feeling “stuck”. The earlier you learn how to really take a break, the better you’ll be at avoiding those spirals.

It’s time to start treating your rest with the same level of importance as your hustle, because really, one protects the other.