Maximize Your Free Time as a Travel Healthcare Worker: 10 Activities That Aren't Chores

So you're looking for fun things to do on your days off of your assignment?

Here are 10 activities that aren't just chores! 

1. Explore your city! 

If you are only going to be here for three months, make the most of it. Get out and see what little hidden gems you can find.

Some tips I have for finding cool areas are to look up coffee shops. Usually niche coffee shops are placed in walkable areas with other cute shops & restaurants.

I recommend exploring during the day and on foot! You can see so many more things that you may miss by car but, obviously, if it is safer for you to drive around to explore then do so. 

2. Read a book 

If you aren't already a book worm, I recommend becoming one.

There are literally millions of books out there so there is something for everyone. Whether you like learning about history, are trying to grow your money, like to get lost in fantasy or want to learn more about medicine, there is a book for EVERYONE.

I am a physical book type of girlie so for me, amazon and the bookstore are my best friends. However, consider dropping by a public library in your city and checking out what they have to offer!

You can use visiting a library as a way to meet new people or to get out of your apartment and breath some new air. Libraries are also a great place to get inspired about new books to read that maybe you don't want to buy but would be willing to check out and see if you vibe with it.

Kindles are a great option if you prefer reading on your phone & having a plethora of books at your fingertips.

Hate the physical action of 'reading'? Then consider audiobooks! Literally almost every app has audiobooks now so there really is no excuse. Even Spotify has some if you have a membership but the most popular platform is Audible (https://www.audible.com/). 

3. Do some self care 

You've probably read or heard this one on a million blogs and platforms but that is because it is a great idea for things to do when you don't know what to do. Literally just taking a long shower can reset your mood when you are feeling blah and in the dumps.

Consider painting your nails, cleaning your makeup brushes, watching a rom-com you love, getting a massage, drinking extra water, hydrating your skin with a facial (at home or at the spa!), or meditating. The list goes on.

YOU know what would recharge you. So do it! 

4. Try a new workout class 

I have found that every city has a plethora of different gyms, studios, and workout classes. There is something for everyone and not everything is for everyone. So you have to find your fit.

The best part about being a travel healthcare worker is that you are "new" to the area. So that means intro/free class packages at TONS of fitness studios.

A lot of studios will offer a free first class which means you can try a bunch of places/classes for FREE. Now that's a great perk! 

5. Binge watch a show 

I know this one isn't very "active". But we all need a lazy day off here and there. So pickup your smart TV remote and scroll through Netflix and find your next binge-worthy show.

Some suggestions I have that are very long series are: 

Friends, The Vampire Diaries, Game of Thrones & House of Dragon, Love Island, The Bachelor/ The Bachelorette, The Good Doctor, New Amsterdam, This is Us, Bridgerton, Emily in Paris, and New Girl. 

6. Volunteer 

This one will help give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose for your day off. Remember that some shelters offer volunteer days and don't always have open hours so this may need to be something you plan for in advance.

Soup kitchens are a great idea if you are comfortable working with the less fortunate.

Animal shelters are great if you love caring for animals and don't mind getting your hands a little dirty cleaning cages and helping where needed.

Another great option is some schools will offer after school tutoring or mentorships.

Reach out to your local women's shelter or Planned parenthood if you'd like to volunteer to help women in need.

If you don't have TIME on your hands, consider donating old clothes and house items to Goodwill or Salvation Army. You could also gather canned goods or toiletries and bring to your local shelter for drop off. 

7. Cook a new recipe & Bake a fun dessert 

Want to hone your culinary skills? Want to learn how to roll sushi? Want to bake your great grandma's bread from scratch? Whatever the recipe. I know you can do it.

Cooking is such a great past time because you create something delicious for yourself or others and you learn new skills or try new things as you do it.

Whether you are a good cook already or you are just starting out, find recipes that seem manageable. Don't start with a complicated sourdough bread recipe when you have never even used yeast before. Instead, start small and maybe make a simple white loaf from scratch to start or bake a cake instead.

You know your talents and your limitations but embrace the small challenges and use your day off to try something new! 

8. Plan your week 

Use your off day to make a list of things you want to accomplish this week.

Then make a list of what you want to accomplish this month.

Then make a list of what you want to accomplish this contract.

Fuel yourself for moving forward to make the most of this contract and be able to physically see the things be checked off as you accomplish them. This task is great for managing those of you that have a lot of thoughts and tasks in your head. It will help you declutter your mind and make your goals much more attainable. I have found this to be a very good tool in my travel tech life. 

9. Catch up with a friend or family member 

This can be attained both physically and virtually. Consider meeting new friends through work, trivia nights, or even Bumble BFF. I have found that the virtual world of friendship is much larger than you think. However, don't underestimate the family and friendships you already have.

Remember to foster those relationships that fill your cup.

Give your best friend from high school a call. Visit your mom on your long weekend off work. Hang with your dog and take him to a park to let him play with his favorite toy. Grab a coffee with a coworker. Talk to the person next to you in your yoga class. Create and foster relationships.

As a traveler, you need strong connections and ties to be successful in this life. 

10. Get outside 

I feel like this is the most important of the 10. We forget, and are maybe aggressively reminded during winters how much we, as humans, need the outdoors. Even in the frigid winters, we thrive when we are outdoors. It has been proven time and time again how much we need the sun and how much the moon does affect us.

Consider eating your lunch at the hospital outside. Take a walk on your day off in a park or maybe even a cemetery (I know it sounds creepy but some of the cemeteries I have found are quite beautiful and peaceful). Roll your yoga mat out on the lawn and do a couple sun salutations while the sun's rays warm you. Jump out of your car and stare up at the stars - see what new constellations you may find. Walk to the restaurant instead of driving. Maybe choose to picnic instead of eating alone in your apartment. Open the windows in your rental home and let the fresh air breeze in on a nice day.

Just little changes to get outside & bring the outside in can really change our moods.