Everyone has their way of spending Holy Week: spending quality time with family, observing Catholic traditions, going on a fast, or just staying home and resting. If you’re a freelancer, though, things are a bit different. You don’t need to fret about taking leave or traveling out of town; you need to find ways to stay productive and keep your business moving forward.
The Holy Week is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal of our faith. With that in mind, here is a week-long guide to some things you can do as a freelancer over the Holy Week break.
Monday: Plan for the week ahead
Think about how you’ll be spending the next few days. Are you traveling with family or enjoying the quiet in the city? Monday is an excellent time to plan what you’ll need to bring for those traveling. Remember that the last three working days before the four-day weekend are a busy time of year. Take stock of what you need for your trip or at home.
Tuesday: Advise clients on vacation plans
Have you informed your clients about your time off? As a courtesy to the people you work with, advise them if you intend to take a few days off. If your freelancing work is output-based, this won’t be an issue as long as you manage your workload and deadlines. But if your clients are particular about work hours, schedule, and being online, then this is the time to discuss these matters.
Wednesday: Complete immediate projects
Wednesday is the day to complete immediate tasks and projects that have been put off for one reason or another. Taking care of these things will set you up for a stress-free and relaxing Holy Week break. Spend the last day before the long weekend focusing on essential tasks. If you’re feeling stressed, allot enough time for focus work. Don’t forget to take short five-minute breaks in between tasks.
Thursday: Observe Holy Week traditions
Maundy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the last three days of Lent and the height of Holy Week. It is a period marked by prayers and religious traditions. Take the time to observe traditional practices such as Visita Iglesia, a pilgrimage to seven or fourteen churches to pray and meditate on the Stations of the Cross.
Friday: Unplug and go offline
Going on a digital detox is a simple but powerful idea, especially on Good Friday. Take time to disconnect from technology to destress and recharge. Don’t worry—there are many things you can do to pass the time. Take a long nap. Reflect. Write in your journal. Cook a healthy meal. Go for a walk. Read a book. Play board games. Tidy around the house. When you come back online the next day, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on your next challenge.
Saturday: Unwind and practice self-care
Schedule some much-need time for yourself. Whether taking a long shower, practicing yoga, or sitting in the kitchen with a cup of tea, it’s vital to relax and unwind. On Black Saturday, spend the day however you want to. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Give yourself the gift of rest.
Sunday: Spend time with loved ones
Easter Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate, reconnect, feel close, and appreciate family. Go out for brunch or arrange a potluck. If there are plenty of children, host an Easter egg hunt. Early in the day, make an activity out of decorating the eggs. It doesn’t have to be a lavish affair. Just spend time together and enjoy each other’s company. Cherish every moment.
Conclusion
Holy Week is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal of faith. It’s also when many people take off work to spend time with family. Find ways to stay productive and keep your business moving forward as a freelancer.
First, determine what you’ll do once you’re off work. The best option may be to complete tasks that are already scheduled or in the works. If this isn’t an option, set aside a specific time each day to work on them. Make sure you have the right tools ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Next, take time to focus on yourself. Spend some time doing things you enjoy so that you can fully recharge your batteries and enjoy some quality downtime.