While most of us aren’t lucky enough to have the day off pending a snow storm, several do. Whether it’s because the kids’ classes have been cancelled for the day, or your place of work requested that you make a decision to report to work based on your own safety and good faith effort, you just might find yourself at home while the snow falls outside.So, what should you do on this unexpected day off?
Some rest and relaxation will likely come into play, and you’ll probably spend some time building a snowman with the kids. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of extra time and be productive by taking part in activities relating to your career. Here are some great ways to spend a day that you would normally be at work:
1. Start with a to-do list.
Are there tasks that have been gnawing at you for several days now? Add them to a to-do list. Tired of spending money on unhealthy lunches out? Stick a meal plan on the list, too. Any projects you’ve been thinking of proposing, but haven’t had time to fully think them through? You know what to do. Creating a to-do list is one of the best ways to kick off your day.
2. Update your resume.
Even if you’re happily employed, it’s always a good idea to keep your resume up to date with recent significant accomplishments, new skills learned, and near certifications earned. If you ever do decide to check out new opportunities, or a reorganization at your current place of employment forces you to seek a new job, you’ll have one less thing to worry about – the main marketing tool you will use, your resume.
3. Brainstorm new project ideas.
You’ll often think of a new goal or project on a whim while at the office, but that glimpse of genius is usually forgotten within the hour. You’re busy when you’re at work, and it’s difficult to carve out time to devote to brainstorming. Use your day off to outline project ideas, so that you may propose them when you head back to the office.
4. Get healthier! Improve eating habits.
Lay out a game plan to improve your eating habits both at work and at home. Research blogs that focus on healthy meal planning and make a shopping list. Check out meals that use fresh ingredients you can chop up, seal in a gallon-sized Zip-loc bag and freeze on Sundays, and prepare quickly and easily throughout the week (make sure you will have leftovers to warm up for lunch!) Create a food budget for the week to avoid overspending on lunch out.
Keep in mind that if you have a restful yet productive day off, you’ll likely feel more energized about returning to work the next day! Stay busy and enjoy the day in your pajama pants.