When people hear the word sabbatical, one of the first questions that comes up is: But what would I even do with all that time?
It’s a fair question. We are so conditioned to think in terms of productivity that even the idea of rest feels like something we need to “fill” with activity. Sabbaticals are not extended vacations or escapes from responsibility. They are intentional pauses, space to restore, reflect, and reimagine what is next.
And here’s the truth: there is no single “right” way to do a sabbatical. What you do depends on what you need. For me, my time away included sleep, travel, family connection, and saying yes to new opportunities. For you, it may look completely different.
Here are some of the many things you can actually do on a sabbatical.
1. Rest and Recovery
I can’t overstate this enough: rest is radical. During my sabbatical, I was excited by the idea of not having every hour of my day scheduled out. For two months, I simply woke up and asked myself: What do I feel like doing today?
Did I want to go for a walk? Great. Read a book? Fantastic. Binge-watch a show? Absolutely. Take an afternoon nap? Yes, and often.
That was the gift of rest, learning to listen to my body and what it needed instead of forcing myself to keep going.
[Image Placeholder: Amy taking a nap in sunlight with a blanket. Alt text: “True rest means listening to your body without guilt or schedule.”]
2. Reconnect with Family and Relationships
One of my favorite moments of my sabbatical was Christmas. For the first time in years, I did not check my work phone, did not worry about staffing, and did not stress about the next steps waiting for me in January. I was simply present with my family.
It was the most liberating feeling, to enjoy a holiday with the people I love without my job weighing in the background. That was a gift I will never forget.
[Image Placeholder: Amy laughing with family during the holidays. Alt text: “Being fully present with family is one of the greatest gifts of a sabbatical.”]
3. Explore and Travel
I knew that I wanted to travel during my sabbatical, but I did not know where. Then some friends reached out and said, “We’re going to St. Marteen in January, want to come?” And for once, I did not have to check a work schedule. I said yes! It was easy to say yes because I had added travel to my sabbatical budget. Part of financial planning for a sabbatical meant setting aside money for experiences like this.
They were going for four days. I decided to extend my trip and stay for a week and a half. That freedom, the ability to decide for myself, was one of the most liberating parts of my sabbatical.
Travel does not have to be exotic or expensive. It is about giving yourself permission to go somewhere that breaks your routine and inspires you.
4. Learn Something New
People often talk about reclaiming “childlike curiosity.” A sabbatical is the perfect time to do that.
For me, that looked like starting kickboxing classes. It was fun, challenging, and completely different from my usual workouts. And because I was not bound by a strict schedule, I could go at four o’clock one day, twelve the next, or in the morning without rushing to squeeze it in.
It reminded me that hobbies are not just for kids. Adults need things that bring us joy too.
5. Reflect on Your Career and Purpose
A sabbatical also gives you the chance to think about your bigger picture. For me, that looked like joining webinars on nursing and innovation, identifying the things I was truly passionate about for the next step of my career, and exploring what intrigued me about where I wanted to go. I asked myself questions about what I wanted my work to look like and even how I wanted to share my sabbatical story.
None of it had a timeline. None of it had to be “productive.” It was exploration, not obligation.
Another way I stayed connected was by touching base lightly on well-being initiatives. That is important to say because sabbaticals are not one-size-fits-all. Some people unplug completely. Others, like me, explore ideas, projects, or light work that feels meaningful. Both are valid.
6. Be Open to the Unexpected
I did not plan every moment of my sabbatical, and that openness was a gift. Sometimes opportunities came my way, like conversations, projects, or even caring for a family member who became ill. Because I had the space, I could say yes.
If I had been working full-time, some of those moments would have been impossible. Instead, I could show up fully.
That is the beauty of a sabbatical, it gives you room to be surprised.
Closing Thought
What you do on a sabbatical is not about filling time. It is about giving yourself permission to step back and create space for what you need most, whether that is rest, connection, exploration, or growth.
There is no “right” way. A sabbatical is whatever restores you.
And sometimes, the most important thing you can do on a sabbatical is this: absolutely nothing.
Take care, take breaks.