Time: 1 Day
STEP 1: Make a list of all of the things you’d like to do in the next 6 months. It may be a one-time event, a recurring activity or several small things. Either way, write them down and note how often you’d like to do them. This will help you to determine how you would like to spend your day off, and how often you’d like to have a day off to do said things.
STEP 2: Based on how you respond, see if taking a monthly (or quarterly) day or two off from work will give you appropriate time to enjoy the ideas from your list. You can do some activities back to back, or maybe one Friday a month you can do one new thing.
STEP 3: Look at your schedule to make sure that you are not going to miss any deadlines or important meetings by taking the day off. Request the time off well in advance so you can enjoy not dealing with obligations—you want your day off to be solely for YOU, not riddled with guilt for missing work or stressing over impending deadlines, etc.
STEP 4: Enjoy your special day and make a conscious effort not to think about work while you are off. It might not be so easy at first, but in time you will hone your skills and successfully establish and maintain a realistic and healthy work-life balance.
