Working remotely or in the office can be draining if you don’t take time for yourself. Keep reading to learn how to make the most out of your paid time off!
Employers provide employees with paid time off to help them relax and focus on their personal lives for a specific amount of time. So, why is it so hard to figure out what to do on our days off?
Often, it seems like we’re unsure what to do, and when the PTO day comes, we find ourselves doing chores or ticking off our to-do list. While those things are important, using our PTO to relax and unwind is just as critical to our productivity at work. That’s why we’re here to help you learn how to make the most out of your paid time off.
Extend Your Weekend
Try taking your PTO closer to the weekend so that you can have a longer weekend than usual. For example, if you have a wedding to go to on Saturday, try taking off on Friday or the following Monday to extend the fun!
If you’re planning a trip, try including a weekend in your schedule so that you only need to take a few days off rather than a whole week.
Plan Around Holidays
Extending your weekend may also apply to planning around the holidays. Take advantage of your paid holidays off that don’t take away from your own PTO! At the beginning of the year, try looking at the paid holidays and plan your paid days off accordingly to get the most out of your PTO hours.
Maybe you have family coming in for Thanksgiving; try taking a couple of days off before or after the holiday to maximize your time off.
Spend Time With Family
A great way to spend any paid day off is spending time with your family, friends, or pets. This can include having a nice, long breakfast together or going to the park for some quality time. Try coordinating your PTO with your loved ones to ensure you have the same day off for some fun!
Take a Local Trip
You don’t have to plan an extensive trip to Disney World to use your PTO! Try visiting the next city over and eating at a restaurant you’ve never eaten at. Or take a ride over to your neighboring state (depending on the drive time) and explore!
Relax
The most important thing you can do on your paid day off is relax and do what you want to do. This could mean booking that massage you’ve always wanted or getting your hair done! Your PTO is time away from work, so try not to take that time for more work.
Now that you know how to make the most out of your paid time off, be sure you talk with your manager and learn what to consider before requesting PTO. Taking time off of work is one of the many benefits employers offer, but you want to make sure you’re eligible and following your company’s rules as well! Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your time off.
