Some days off are meant for purely relaxing. Others are meant for checking things off our to-do lists that we can’t get done during the course of the work week.
If you’re looking for productive things to do on your day off — including ideas that may improve your money mindset and financial fitness — we have 21 good ways to get started.
How Staying Productive Can Improve Your Money Mindset
If you have a lazy day off, it might wind up costing you. The temptation to spend when bored is real. When you have nothing to do, you may turn to online shopping, dining out, or other pricey leisure activities to fill your time.
There is of course a time and place for spending on leisure, but there’s a big question to ask yourself before spending that money. Specifically, are you plunking down that cash because you will get something out of the experience or purchase or are you simply doing so because you’re bored?
Staying productive on days off can be a form of financial self-care. It can help you avoid unnecessary spending which, in turn, can make other leisure time feel even more enjoyable.
Productive Things to Do on Your Day Off
Not sure what to do on a day off? Consider checking one or more of these positive activities off your to-do list. Any of them can help you feel more organized and in control of your life.
1. Planning a Vacation
Instead of going out and spending money, consider staying home and planning your next vacation. The money you save can go towards your upcoming trip. Not only that,, research and advance planning can help you spend less on your vacation and make sure everything goes smoothly. You might even open a travel fund account and begin saving.
2. Checking Your Credit Card Statements
If you get paperless statements, you may not regularly look closely at your credit card spending. This can be a smart thing to check off on your day off. Simply Log into account and scan your recent statements. Make sure all charges are accurate and see if your spending is in line with your budget. If you’re carrying a balance, you might hatch a plan to pay it off.
3. Taking Quality Time for Yourself
“Qualify time” means different things to different people. For you, taking time for yourself might mean pursuing a hobby like painting, reading a good book, going for a long run, or taking a long bath. There are plenty of relaxing activities to enjoy that don’t cost any money and recharge you for the work days ahead.
Recommended: 30 Fun and Inexpensive Hobbies
4. Reviewing Your Career Goals
While it may not sound fun to sit down and think about work outside of working hours, there’s a lot of value to be found in peaceful reflection. Spending time reviewing career goals when there are no Monday-to-Friday stressors or distractions can make it easier to find clarity.
5. Starting a Side Hustle
Whether you could use some extra income or you’re thinking about changing careers, you might use some of your day off to investigate freelance opportunities and other types of side hustles. Look into options that you might enjoy that also provide the opportunity to learn new skills.
6. Catching Up on Important Errands
Running errands isn’t always fun, but not having them hanging over our heads almost always feels good. If you have a day off, you might want to use a couple of hours in the morning to tackle errands — this can leave the rest of the day wonderfully free. Plus, you’ll get that “I’ve got this!” boost from knowing you’re in control of those to-do’s.
7. Exercising
Getting in a workout — or just some physical activity — can boost your mood and energy level and lead to a happier and more productive day off.
8. Mapping Out Your Money Goals
Similar to setting career goals, a day off can be the perfect time to think about your money goals. Consider what you’d like to accomplish in the next several years — such as buying a car, going to Europe, or putting a down payment on a home. Then figure out how much you’ll need to save each month to do it. You might even open a high-yield saving account and set up an automated monthly transfer to help accomplish your goal.
9. Getting a Haircut
A fresh haircut can put a bit of pep in anyone’s step — a definite self-esteem booster for most of us.
10. Volunteering
Giving back to your community can be a great way to spend free time. There are so many different causes worth getting involved in, from food banks to animal shelters to park cleanups. Volunteering can also expand your network and help you learn new skills, which could pay off in other ways down the line.
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11. Updating Your Online Resume
If you’re looking for a new job, the weekend can be a great time to update any resumes you have posted on social media platforms or job searching websites. There are loads of templates online that can help you spiff up your resume, too.
12. Reading a New Book
With so many distractions on busy days, it’s hard to find the time to read. Why not make reading a new book (or an old favorite) a priority on your next day off? There’s nothing like the escape of a good story, whether it’s historical fiction, a murder mystery, or whatever else catches your attention.
13. Taking an Online Class
Whether you want to learn a new work-related skill or explore a personal interest, there’s likely an online class out there that can help you productively use your time off. From coding to cooking, almost any topic is available these days.
Recommended: Can You Take Online Classes While Working?
14. Spending Time With Loved Ones
Productivity can mean a lot of different things, including spending time with loved ones. Maintaining connections with the people you care about most can help you build a support system and provide personal gratification.
15. Unsubscribing From Unwanted Emails
Have half an hour to kill before meeting up with friends? Chip away at unsubscribing from all those unwanted emails. The lack of digital clutter can be super freeing, even if you don’t achieve “inbox zero” just yet.
16. Updating Your To-Do List
Want to get things done on a day off, but don’t know where to start? Sit down with a pen and some paper (or your phone or laptop) and write an updated to-do list. Of course, it’s not necessary to tackle the entire list in one day, but do try to schedule when you’ll tackle each item on your list.
17. Checking How You’re Doing With Your Budget
Budgets only work if you check in periodically to see how well you’re sticking to the plan. Every few months, it’s a good idea to look at your bank statements and make sure your spending and saving aligns with your goals. You can also use a budgeting app to simplify the process.
Recommended: Guide to Emergency Funds
18. Planning for Next Week
Another good use of free time is to get organized for the week ahead so it feels less stressful and intimidating. Do meal prep, clean up the house, organize your bills, and make sure all work clothes are washed and ready to wear.
19. Finding Networking Opportunities
Nowadays, you can do a lot of professional networking from home online. If you have some downtime, consider hopping on LinkedIn, checking your notifications, and sending some connection requests or messages to help broaden your network.
20. Adjusting Your Tax-Withholding if It’s Not Right
Sick of owing taxes each year? Check your tax withholdings to make sure the correct amount is being deducted from your paychecks. Adjust it accordingly if needed. That quick move could save you some money headaches when tax season rolls around.
21. Cleaning Your House
A good cleaning session can help make your home more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable to live in. Imagine your place freshly vacuumed or the bathroom scrubbed as motivation.
The Practical And Financial Benefits of Being Productive
We all need downtime, but being productive on a day off also has numerous benefits, including feeling happier, less stressed, and more in control over your life. It can also have a positive impact on your finances. For one, being productive can help beat the boredom that can lead to filling your time with shopping or other expensive activities. And if you use your free time to organize and stay on top of your finances, it can help you make the most of your money and reach your financial goals.
Banking With SoFI
As you can see from this list, there’s no shortage of productive things to do on your day off. Whether you choose to spend your free hours taking an online class, reviewing your budget, or outside running, putting your time to good use can leave you feeling less stressed and more in control over your personal, professional, and financial life.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
What is considered wasting time on your day off?
When deciding what things to do on a day off, only you can decide what’s a waste of time or what’s not. For one person, organizing their receipts is a waste of time; for another, it’s productive. The same holds true for reading a book. The key is to find a way to balance productivity and relaxation as you define them.
How can I productively treat myself on my day off?
There are numerous ways you can treat yourself on a day off while also being productive. Examples include going for a hike, listening to a podcast, reading a new book, or taking a class online. All of these options have positive benefits in terms of self-care and fun but don’t cost much (if anything).
Is traveling considered productive?
Traveling and gaining new experiences and insights beyond your local community can indeed be productive. Travel can help us learn, grow, relax, and return home with a new, refreshed perspective.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/MesquitaFMS
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