Mindful Day Off: A Simple Guide to Corporate Leaders to Recharge

Recharging physical and mental energy is essential for maintaining productivity, focus, and overall well-being. While regular rest and relaxation prevent burnout, enhance creativity, and improve decision-making abilities, finding the time for corporate leaders to recharge remains a continuous challenge. However, taking a break from the corporate chaos with a mindful day off can be a transformative experience.

Based on a suggestion from my professional mentor, I recently started taking the first Wednesday of every month off, which has been immensely beneficial for my mental health. If you can do the same, here's your guide with a variety of activities to help you rejuvenate, from sunrise meditation and yoga to creative pursuits and nature walks.

Morning:

1. Sunrise Meditation: Start your day with a peaceful meditation session as the sun rises. Focus on your breath and let go of any lingering stress. Consider an outdoor session if weather permits. Otherwise, pick a room where you usually don’t work, rather than have non-work-related memories.

2. Yoga: Engage in a gentle yoga routine to stretch and wake up your body. Consider an outdoor session if weather permits. Otherwise, 15-minute running on treadmill and then some simple stretching would help as well.

3. Healthy Breakfast: Prepare a nutritious breakfast, such as a smoothie bowl or oatmeal, fruit cuts and yogurt, and eat mindfully. Try to feel and enjoy each bite.

Mid-Morning:

1. Nature Walk: Take a leisurely walk-in a nearby park or nature reserve. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Don’t listen to music on electronics while walking, rather feel what is your surroundings along the path.

2. Reading: Choose a book that inspires or relaxes you and spend some time reading in a comfortable spot. You can take the book with you in the nature walk time and enjoy it outside. I would not pick any reading on electronics, rather prefer physical paper copy books.

Afternoon:

1. Creative Activity: Engage in a creative activity such as painting, drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument. Looking at old pictures and building a picture book is not a bad idea. There are some many platforms that you can use for minimal cost to free picture book in you pay the shipping only.

2. Mindful Lunch: Prepare a healthy lunch and eat slowly, appreciating the flavors and textures of your food. This does not have to be healthy lunch; you can eat whatever you like the most as a reward to yourself. Perhaps, an ice-cream or yogurt with blue berries could be an added dessert to wrap up the lunch.  

3. Mindful Movement: Try tai chi or another form of slow, mindful movement that helps you connect with your body. Please wait at least 30 to 45 minutes before the movement. You can perhaps, read a magazine or free news papers you might have in house which would not take you into too much in-depth thinking rather just surfing for any thing new.

Mid-Afternoon:

1. Spa Time: Create a spa-like experience at home. Take a warm bath with Epsom salts and essential oils, or enjoy a facial mask. Both Walmart and Amazon has several options for face mask.

2. Gardening: Spend time in your garden or with indoor plants to connect with nature and the earth again. Perhaps, the plants need trimming, or watering or even changing soils, if they are indoor plants.

Evening:

1. Meditative Cooking: Prepare a healthy and enjoyable dinner, focusing on the process of cooking and the ingredients you are using. Keep the cooking recipes simple yet healthy.

2. Gratitude Practice: Reflect on your day and write down things you are grateful for in a journal. I do it on a paper copy, rather than opening electronic laptop of any other media in that nature.

3. Gentle Exercise: Go for a gentle evening stroll or do a light workout like Pilates to wind down. If weather permits, just walking along any lakes or trails. If weather does not permit, consider visiting a shopping mall, roam around and get the step counts.

Night:

1. Digital Detox: Don’t try to catch up at night with emails or try preparing to do list for next day, rather watch any fun show. Cap it for maximum one hour and then turn off all digital devices at least an hour before bed. Spend time with a loved one, read a book, or engage in a quiet activity.

2. Sleep Hygiene: Create a calming bedtime routine. This might include a warm cup of herbal tea, some light stretching, or listening to audio book or reading a paper copy before bedtime.

By incorporating these activities, you can create a mindful, relaxing day that helps you disconnect from corporate chaos and rejuvenate both your mind and body. You don’t need to do every activity mentioned here, rather pick only the ones you like and feasible given your own unique circumstances. Promise to yourself to take a break for a mindful day, and recharge, to thrive in your life.

Disclaimer:

This article is written by PhoenixPhantom and RadiantRaiser who are two successful business leaders in corporate world.  The activities and suggestions are generated based on their personal experience and provided in this blog are intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives. The authors and Thrive Trail are not liable for any harm or injury that may result from the use or misuse of the information provided. Individual results may vary, and it's important to consider your own health and personal circumstances before engaging in any new activities or routines.