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Original poster

If you work a 4 day week…

43 replies

Healthkick · 09/10/2023 13:41

What do you do on your day off?

I have recently reduced hours due to stress. I now have a Monday off. 2 children at school, husband at work.

i have done a food shop, tidied the house and prepared dinner to slow cook.

wondering what everyone else does? I feel like I need to be doing something valuable.

OP posts:

piglet81 · 09/10/2023 13:45

I work 4 days. On my day off I’m free 8.55 to 3.20 while my son is at school. I usually go into school for 30 mins to hear children read, then go swimming, do errands, have lunch and read for a while. The day usually vanishes before I’ve done anything more productive than that!

If the reason behind reducing your hours was stress management, can you focus on doing the things that help you cope - whether that’s exercise, something creative, counselling or whatever?

StillWantingADog · 09/10/2023 13:45

Same as you. Sometimes meet a friend for a coffee. Go out running with a group though that’s not until the evening. sort Laundry. Lots of tidying, gardening if it’s nice. Child admin.

dh is hugely supportive because I get stuff done that otherwise would not get done.

its great having a Sunday knowing the following day is off.

Cherryana · 09/10/2023 13:46

I usually get on top of the washing, have my nails/hair/eye lashes done and do work - so that I can be organised at work. A bit later in the day I try and do some exercise and batch cook some meals while I am making dinner.

It’s not really a lot of time between school runs.

I dream of staying in bed and lounging but it hasn’t happened so far.

Frodedendron · 09/10/2023 13:46

I'm a lone parent so I always have stuff to do. I try to get the day-to-day cleaning done during the rest of the week so I have the day to batch cook, do home improvement or gardening.

It depends on the week but I do try to carve out a bit of time in the day for myself, a quick lunch with friends, a film on tv or a walk in the local woodlands.

I too had big ideas about my free days, but the kids finish school at 3pm and you can't get that much done in 5-6 hours!

StillWantingADog · 09/10/2023 13:47

ps it also takes quite a lot of stress out of the whole week if I get stuff done in peace on my day off.

WaterfallOfDreams · 09/10/2023 13:52

I don’t have young kids, so don’t have to factor that in.

today I have done two washings, a big bike ride and am going to the cinema in a bit. I am currently in the bath!

I prioritise many things over chores, and everything over “should be doing something worthwhile”.

self care is hugely important, make your peace and find your version.

gillywee · 09/10/2023 13:55

What do you like to do for yourself?
If the reasoning is for your stress levels, make sure you do something for yourself. Even if it's watching an episode of something funny (or whatever you like?)
Paint your nails, do your exfoliating or facial, have a nice bath, nip to the shops for yourself, have a nice coffee ... list is endless

MuggleMe · 09/10/2023 13:56

I have Fridays off, it does vary but usually a split between big house jobs that never get a look in e.g decluttering and selling things, a walk with a friend, nap, and general housework.

angelopal · 09/10/2023 14:05

Shopping, house work, school PTA stuff, getting kids hobby stuff organised as both have activities that have uniforms/kit on that day.

Always seem to have a few things to do.

Sometimes meet a friend or just have some peace and quiet.

Original poster

Healthkick · 09/10/2023 14:08

@WaterfallOfDreams I love this approach

OP posts:

cocksstrideintheevening · 09/10/2023 14:11

I've gone back ft now but when I was 4 days I went to the gym, thought about dinner and had a nap!

Jen91983 · 09/10/2023 14:24

I have Tuesdays off. I use this day to book any appointments I might have, such as hair, dog groom, dentist etc. Or I meet a friend for breakfast or lunch. If it happens to be that I have nothing on that day, I do a few house chores, but then I watch tv and snooze til son gets home from school 😆 it’s my favourite day of the week!

spookehtooth · 09/10/2023 14:26

I'm doing compressed hours, until I can reduce, and finish at 12pm Fri. Every week is different for me, it depends what I need that week. Lunch out somewhere is often on the agenda. I don't think it needs to be exceptional, just important or fun for you

Justtochat · 09/10/2023 14:26

It depends how I’m feeling, and what’s to be done, but most of the time it’s a me day! Kids are in school, so I can do what I want. I often go out for lunch in my own (lunch, wine and a book, love it). For a few weeks I did an hour of sewing lesson every morning as I wanted to learn how to repair clothes. Sometimes I just watch TV. Sometimes I do hobbies at home. Occasionally (but not often) I’ll go to a specialist food shop. I love feeling energised on Saturday, I’m a much nicer person and mum for that day on my own!

Cherryblossom6754 · 09/10/2023 14:31

I have a day off in the week, I usually chores such as cleaning, tip run, charity bag drop offs, book appointments, tidy the garden, de clutter etc.
Shopping for things DC need for school or home.

Sometimes go out for lunch.

Agree about doing things you enjoy though and having some time out from all the jobs that need to be done.

Wolfen · 09/10/2023 14:32

I go for a walk straight after school run.
The home and cleaning, baking, laundry while listening to an audiobook.
Pop out at lunchtime to meet a friend or attend an appointment.
Home to watch tv before picking up kids.

Katy123456 · 09/10/2023 14:35

A mix of jobs and relaxation time - exercise, read, see friends, watch TV, write a to do list and ignore it, sit in the garden!

popandchoc · 09/10/2023 14:47

Save my mental health!
Seriously though i clean the house, do errands , have hair/nail appointments etc. Used to go to the gym but my gym shut.
I sometimes meet some other mums for a coffee or lunch.

WonderingAboutBabies · 09/10/2023 14:59

Take up a hobby - something that's good for your mental health and that you really, really enjoy! Whether it be knitting, swimming, reading, paddleboarding, hiking... take your pick!

Shergill15 · 09/10/2023 15:03

I do 4 days and have Fridays off. Typically I use that day to catch up on housework etc - for me at the minute that includes an ongoing process of decluttering and reorganising. It also might involve food shopping or appointments for me that are just easier without child in tow - hairdresser, doctor, whatever. Maybe once a month or I'll meet a friend for breakfast/coffee/shopping.

However, to echo PP's - if the reduction in your hours is due to stress I would prioritise things that will reduce that for you - be that yoga/exercise, counselling sessions, seeing friends or just relaxing and regaining your equilibrium x

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 09/10/2023 15:05

I work FT now, but when I worked 4 days I'd use the extra day to catch up on chores, housework etc. so there was less to do at the weekend and we could enjoy more family time then.

Bertiesmum3 · 09/10/2023 15:06

Meet with family or friends, go for coffee/breakfast/lunch, do some shopping!
I don’t have children school aged!

reluctantbrit · 09/10/2023 15:07

My off-day is Friday. I had yoga, now pilates in the morning which I normally combine with some shopping or running errands.
2-3 loads of washing, washing up if necessary.

DH always works form home so I do cook lunch for both of us.

Afternoon is normally admin, sorting out stuff, tidying up, ironing.

DD gets a lift to her drama group and otherwise I am sitting down with my book.

DH is very supportive as it means we aren't doing this at the weekend.

SauceCat · 09/10/2023 15:09

If you're stressed you need to decompress a bit. Catch up on a bit of housework by all means but not in one mad blitz.
Look at something like flylady if the house is looking a bit chaotic, and otherwise wise do something you enjoy.
I like flylady because it includes time to just relax with your partner and pushes little pamper sessions as well as getting the house straight.
I love to go for a long walk when I have the say off. I can do it now because I've got routines set up at home.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 09/10/2023 15:10

Walk with a friend
Grocery delivery
Prep meals for week
Spend time with DM (80)
House/life admin
Take cat for jabs, car service, boiler service,
Next week I'll be making DD's birthday cake
All those other little jobs that crop up, so we can enjoy the weekends

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