At the start of a break, there is nothing better than the prospect of a lie in without the pesky alarms, the switching off from work commitments, and having a bit of “me time”. However, for many of us unplugging isn’t always that easy and after a few days of doing nothing, one can naturally begin to feel restless and unsure about how to utilize the extra time. So how do you keep occupied and productive while on the long Eid break so as not to waste the entire time feeling like a couch potato?

Although there is nothing wrong with binge-watching Netflix whilst enjoying take out, this should not be the go-to activity for your whole time off. I have shared some ways on how to keep yourself productive during the long Eid break.

Stay in the know

A great start to the day is to wake up and glance through the newspaper. While on Eid break, it provides you with the extra time to read articles more thoroughly than you would on a regular day when rushing to be at the office on time. With no early morning commitments, make yourself a lovely cup of tea or coffee, sit down and spend some time with your local print. Why not also have a go at the sudoku and crossword puzzles – these fun activities will help get your brain going for the day.

Keep active

Whether trying your hand at indoor trampolining, pushing your limits in a group fitness class or hitting the waves with an hour of wakeboarding, with time on your side, why not have a go at an activity you’ve been wanting to try. With the fitness trend on the rise, there is an abundance of physical activities to get that blood pumping over the long Eid break. Engaging in exercise will ensure you get out of the house and have the rest of your day filled with feel-good energy from endorphins produced. If you are apprehensive about attending a session on your own, don’t hesitate to invite friends along – who doesn’t enjoy engaging in a healthy hobby with their buddies?

Declutter

For the average person, tidying your home after a long day at the office is usually a no-go. If you have a few spare hours during time off, it is a great opportunity to get rid of things that you no longer use or need. Consider hosting a yard sale or giving items in good condition to charity – remember one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You could also rearrange your furniture to give your home a breath of fresh air and reinvigorate the space.

Catch up with friends

Holidays are meant for socializing. Why not make plans with friends and family that you may not have seen in a long time? Try the latest cafe hangouts, splurge at your favorite local boutiques, or make a spontaneous trip to the cinema. Alternatively, invite friends over to your home for an afternoon brunch and enjoy the much-needed catch-up.

Plan ahead

How many times do you make a mental note of something that needs to be done and never get around to it? From scheduling your next dental checkup to planning a holiday abroad with childhood friends, use your time off work to pre-plan some of these appointments and do some research for future holidays. This will help keep you organized and have something to look forward to for the future.

About the Author

Medy Navani is the founder and creative director of Design Haus Medy. He has become renowned internationally for the design of prestigious private homes and the creation of stunning bespoke interior design concepts. His design ethos hinges on “less is more”, using chic designs with contemporary furnishings.