The minimum work leave duration for Nigerian workers is six working days. This is such a long time to sit at home watching the television all day or to recline on the chair while scrolling through various social media platforms.
Before you know it, boredom would quickly set in, especially when the power goes out. Watching TV or staying on your phone could keep you interested for a couple of hours or perhaps the first 2 days, after which the excitement would give way to disinterest.
Fatigue would set in and you might give in to spending the rest of your leave on your bed, sleeping. In no time, your leave will be over and you’d notice you’ve not achieved much during those days.
What if I told you that you could do much more than just sit around, watching the clock tick away while counting down till when your break will be over?
Here are 6 essential things to do during a work leave:
Table of Contents
1. Rest
This may look like obvious advice, but many times when people are on leave, their minds wander back to the workplace they left behind, and they need to be reminded they do not need to wonder if whoever is now responsible for their work will do a good job or complicate their work. A work leave gives you time to recuperate, and sleeping helps you do just that. It also leaves you recharged and ready for further activities. The benefit of sleep cannot be overemphasized. When you sleep well, you’ll be mentally alert to things going on around you, and you’ll be more energized to keep up with your daily tasks and activities.
2. Clean Up
If you work on the island and live on the mainland, chances are that most of the house chores are left undone because you have to leave early enough in order to get to work on time. When you finally take your annual leave, that is the right time to dust and wash the carpets or clean up the cobwebs. Do all the chores you would normally leave out because of your work because you have the time now.
3. Catch Up
Working for eight hours straight does not really help your social and family life. Friends and family might have been left behind. When you are on leave, you can visit them instead of sending short messages or calling for a few minutes. This will make up for the time spent away from them. If your children’s school is still in session or your spouse still has to work, try fixing a family outing during the weekend, and when you do, give them your undivided attention. The times spent bonding will be etched in their memories and they will know that they are cherished and that you are more than willing to spend time with them when you get the chance.
4. Prepare Balanced Meals
Sometimes working-class people have no choice but to eat on the go. This is their way of reserving time. The problem is that the foods they often choose to eat are not meant to give nutrition but to fill an empty stomach. During your work leave, you should take the time to prepare balanced meals. Deliberately include fruits, veggies and nuts into your meals. Cut out snacks and junk food. Your plan should be to choose healthy food over unhealthy ones.
5. Indulge
Everyone has a hobby. Some people are thrill seekers, others love books, while some are movie lovers. Now you have got free time, go zip lining or bungee jumping if you love the feel of adrenaline surging through you. As a foodie, you can go to that newly opened restaurant on your street. Movie fans will no longer have to depend on streaming or downloading to watch their favorite movies. They can just go to the cinema and relax.
6. Exercise
Engage in moderate exercises to keep you healthy. Spending several hours in a day sitting at a spot, adversely affects the health. Do stretches and aerobics to get you started. Then use the opportunity of being on leave to go for an early morning jog and get the needed vitamin D from the early morning sun rays.
Final Thoughts
No matter how long or short your work leave may be, the above essential tips remain valid and applicable. Doing what is right will help you live a long and healthy life!
Read Also: Work-Life Balance Vs Work-Life Harmony: Which Is Better?
