Part of what is hard about the transition while in marriage is we don't have the option of monk-mode for self-improvement.

Wife and son are visiting my MiL for a week for some holidays there. I always enjoy these trips and my MiL cooking, but I can't go this year due to some work commitments. This means I will have a lot of time in the mornings and evenings for myself. I'm going to make the best out of it. I know I must plan this ahead or I will be tempted to waste my time in videogames and beer.

I'm planning to go monk-mode that week. I'm looking for suggestions of concrete new areas for personal growth that after a week I'll feel better about myself.

Things I have planned so far:

  • Several house-fixing projects

  • Try new cardio routine for my workout off days

  • Get a massage

  • Buy new pants that fit me better (my old ones are too big now that i've lost weight)

  • Monitor the macros in my diet more rigorously (instead of winging it) to improve my meals for muscle growth

  • Do mindfulness stuff 15 minutes every day

  • Treat myself to a nice steak dinner

  • Go to sleep at the same time every evening

  • Finish at least one of the books that is part of my MAP that I haven't finished

  • Start and finish a good fun book that is not part of my MAP

Are there any other things you guys can suggest that I can do that can have positive effects after one week? I just want to look back at the end of the week and feel good and proud.