With hustle culture still a societal norm, it's easy to fall into the trap of working all week and only living for the weekends. Monday through Friday can become a blur of deadlines, meetings, and emails, leaving us exhausted and craving the relief of slumping on the sofa and watching mindless TV or scrolling endless feeds. We know that the lure of the sofa afterwork is appealing, and after a long day at work you’d happily reside there until bedtime. But you need 7 types of rest to fully recharge, and you’re not gonna get that by consuming content whilst sitting down.
So what if you spruced up your afterwork routine to make the most out of your weekdays too? Making the most of your evenings after work can significantly reduce burnout and can even help you feel more replenished.
Why It’s Important to Separate Work and Play
It's crucial to create a clear boundary between your work and personal life, especially with the growth of remote working. When you blur the lines between these two worlds, it becomes difficult to fully relax and recharge. Even if you close your laptop at 5PM, it’s easily to slip into checking Slack or work emails from the sofa.
It’s not so easy to do that if you have plans. The plans don’t have to be ones that will drain your battery even more - instead they can be things that will fill up your cup. Instead of being on your phone, you can leave it at home and take a walk around the park, or cook a new recipe enjoy a quiet dinner.
Making time for yourself in the evenings isn’t just about fun; it’s about self-care. Below are 50 afterwork activities, divided into categories, to help you reclaim your evenings and feel more like yourself—every day of the week.
Productive Afterwork Activities
Sometimes, doing something productive can give you a sense of accomplishment that’s just as satisfying as kicking back. Try these activities to keep your mind engaged while ticking off some boxes.
- Organise a small part of your home (like that messy junk drawer).
- Meal prep for the week to make healthy eating easier.
- Take an online course or workshop on a subject that interests you.
- Tackle a DIY project you've been putting off.
- Plan your next rest-break (even if it’s just a weekend getaway).
- Read a book that enhances your knowledge or skills.
- Declutter your wardrobe and donate what you don’t need.
- Start a side hustle or passion project.
- Write in a journal or blog about your day.
- Set goals for the week ahead.
Afterwork Activities With Friends and Family
Spending time with loved ones can be one of the best ways to unwind. Here are some ideas for making the most of your evenings together.
- Invite friends to dinner at least once a month (themed nights are always fun).
- Have a planned movie night —complete with popcorn and blankets.
- Go for a group walk or bike ride.
- Host a games night.
- Go to a comedy club together.
- Spend the evening baking sweet treats.
- Visit a nearby museum or art gallery.
- Attend a local event or concert.
- Try a new sport or activity together.
- Start a book club and have monthly get-togethers.
Screen-Free Afterwork Activities
We spend so much time in front of screens during the day that unplugging in the evening can be a refreshing change. Here are some ways to enjoy your time without digital distractions.
- Read a physical book or magazine.
- Go for a walk and leave your phone at home.
- Host a games night with no screens allowed.
- Try your hand at drawing, painting, or another creative art form.
- Create a vision board with your goals and dreams.
- Try a hands on craft like painting plates or candles.
- Meditate or do deep breathing exercises to relax.
- Go on a solo date to a restaurant without your phone.
- Bake something from a recipe book, no Google allowed.
- Create some artwork for your walls to hang.
Physical and Mental Wellbeing Afterwork Activities
Taking care of your body and mind is essential for reducing burnout. These activities will help you feel more centred and energised.
- Attend a yoga or pilates class.
- Go for a run or hike in nature.
- Visit a sauna or steam room to unwind.
- Take a relaxing bath with Epsom salts and essential oils.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation for at least 10 minutes.
- Try a new workout routine, like HIIT or strength training.
- Read a book with your phone away from your side.
- Rent a bike and cycle to a new area of your neighbourhood.
- Have an at home spa evening.
- Get a massage or practice self-massage techniques.
The Takeaway: Don’t Wait for the Weekend
The key to reducing burnout and feeling more replenished isn’t in making drastic changes but in incorporating small, fulfilling activities into your daily routine. By setting aside time each evening for activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul, you can create a more balanced life—one that doesn’t just revolve around waiting for the weekend.
So tonight, instead of collapsing onto the couch with your phone, why not try something new? You might be surprised at how much better you feel.
