Unexpected annual leave day off with no plans, how to relax?

[shocked2026]

Have an unexpected day off for AL, have no plans other than maybe the gym later. I feel a bit agitated but I’ve been quite stressed so want to relax. Looking for mumsnet wisdom!

Can you get out for a long walk somewhere green? Always works for me.

If you like pampering, book a massage or similar
its going to be reasonable weather so have a wander
What a nice treat to have some time for yourself

I have days like this occasionally; I go for a run, shower then spend the day watching TV in bed.

Sleep. Nice walk. Good lunch. Watch some tv.
Gardening or cleaning might be therapeutic.

How far away are you from the coast? I find a walk and a good stare out to sea works wonders. If not a walk in the countryside.

Any jobs you’ve been putting off tackle them today.

Thanks all, im about a 45 minute drive from the coast, tempted but trying to reserve fuel. I like the idea of a walk and a bit of a pamper and I might sort my summer clothes out and do some gardening!

Don't whatever you do spending it in the house doing jobs.

I find it depressing how many people suggest that on threads like this.

Its a nice day so get outside and make the most of it. Nice walk, lunch out. Perhaps visit a gallery or similar (although a lot are closed on Mondays so might be an issue).

Yes, exactly! Housework will always be there. Don’t waste a day off on chores. Do something actively enjoyable.

I always find being near the sea listening to the sounds of the waves, sea birds chirping etc soothing for most forms of anxiety.

It depends on how much time you already spend at home on chores vs out, and the starting status of your home but for me and my situation, (get very little time at home to get stuff done), I completely disagree. For me the satisfaction of having crossed something off my to do list and having a cleaner/more organised home every day will give me a longer lasting sense of calm than a day out.

I know exactly what you mean about the house but I equally don’t want to just do chores all day then go back to my very stressful job tomorrow.

Im going to the tip in a minute then playing last asylum all day on the deck with coffee

Don’t tell anyone you’ve got the day off!

Movies? Project hail Mary is great.