In order to restore some balance to my normal Enneagram type 1 work-a-holic self…I made a promise to myself to not focus on work for Winter Break…and to find a better work/life balance for 2022. Well, wouldn’t you know it…my body took my plan to heart, and I landed in bed for the first full week of break with a terrible cold.

Now, with only a few days left of my much needed break, I thought I would compile a list of all the things I can do instead of worry and focus on work over the next few months. Dear reader, I share my list with you. Hopefully, it will inspire you to take some much needed time for yourself!

15 Things to Do Instead of Worry About Work

Take a walk…or a hike. There is nothing like fresh air and a bit of nature to turn your mood around. Currently it is well below 40 degrees here and raining…but when weather permits, a walk is always my go-to first option.
Make a to-do list. I L-O-V-E a list. Lists bring me comfort. This will be a list for things to complete later…not right now!
Binge watch a new TV show. There are so many great shows on right now. Netflix has become my new best friend this break!
Play some brain games. Bust out those crosswords or that puzzle you have been meaning to work on when Covid first hit. Get lost in the puzzle pieces and have some fun not thinking about anything but the next matching piece.
Read a book, an academic article, or a fun magazine. If you’re in need of recommendations, head over to Goodreads and meet your next great read.
Listen to a podcast. You all, I have been a Murderino from day one. I live for a good true crime comedy podcast. However, we listen to a ton of different podcasts here at TTD. There are just so many out there. To help you de-stress and relax, search your interests and find a few to listen to.
Re-arrange your furniture. Nothing feels more satisfying than deep cleaning the house and moving some furniture around. I always feel the most calm and relaxed in a clean and organized home.
Meditate for 5-10 minutes. Taking just a few minutes out of your day to meditate can help reduce your stress levels and improve your focus, according to a 2010 study published in Psychological Science.
Stay hydrated. Drinking water can reduce stress and improve your overall health. I know I don’t drink nearly enough water. It is definitely something I want to improve this year.
Journal. Sometimes it is hard to turn your brain off, especially as the stress of work can be all encompassing. One thing I have found that helps to relieve some of that stress is to just write it all down. Once I have it written down, I can stop worrying about it so much.
Build a support system. Isolating yourself can intensify your worries and make it challenging to focus on relaxation. Spend more time with friends and family. A great laugh with your friends is always medicine for the soul.
Get Crafty. Do you like to procrasti-craft? It is one of my favorite things to do. When I am feeling stressed or just don’t want to think about something stressful, I draw, make crafts, and sometimes even color with my five year old. I always feel so much lighter, and the stress just melts away when I’m crafting.
Take a drive. Take in the sights around you. Hit the dusty trail and turn that radio up high. Sing your favorite songs and unwind where no one can hear you. Roll down those windows and get some fresh air.
Move your body. Do some yoga, take a walk, and if you’re into it, work out how you like to work out. We are all about our Peloton bikes and the strength workouts. If you LOVE a seriously structured strength class, check out #hardCore On The Floor.
When all else fails, take a nap! Easier said than done when you have so many responsibilities at home…I get that. If a nap is not in your near future, try to hit the sheets early and get at least eight hours of sleep. Your body and mind will thank you.

There is no doubt that we are living through some seriously crazy times right now. It is time to turn off the noise of the news and turn up the things that make you feel happy, relaxed, and comforted. Whatever makes you happy, be it something from the list above…or not. Start taking a little bit of time for yourself. You deserve it.