Employees and students live for long weekends—that unexpected treat when a holiday falls right before or after a weekend. And to make sure every minute of your break is well spent, here are some ideas that are both fun and budget-friendly.

Bond with family and friends.

No one in the family or barkada has school or work, so it’s the best time to plan your bonding time with them. Go on a food trip in the many food destinations in the metro, including Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, where you can find a variety of restaurants. If you want a fun, indoor activity, try wall climbing in Power Up Centro Atletico near Cubao-X. After which, you can chill in the specialty stores and eateries in the area.

Go out and enjoy nature.

Spending some time with Mother Nature allows you to unwind and clear the mind a bit. Green is a calming color, so let the trees soothe your workaholic self. You can visit free public parks, such as Fort Santiago in Intramuros, as well as the Ayala Triangle Gardens and Salcedo Park in Makati where you can sit under the shade, and quietly read a book.

Sweat it out.

If you have a desk job, chances are you’re not getting enough exercise. Boosting you energy, controlling your weight and improving your mood are only some of the few benefits you can get when you exercise. Take some time to brisk walk or jog around the neighborhood. Check the gym nearest to you, and check out the latest trends in fitness such as anti-gravity yoga, pole dancing and circuit training.

Go on a much-needed staycation.

On weekdays, we often rush to go to the office, not bothering with organizing our rooms. The long weekend serves as the perfect opportunity to get rid of that clutter, making sure that our room gives us a sense of peace and ease. To help you get started, read Marie Kondo’s best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.

Do nothing.

It’s your time to veg out. So go ahead and watch movies or better yet, engage in a guilt-free snoozefest with your favorite pillows for company. Sometimes, it’s best to just rest, allowing yourself to regain energy for another round of the work week.

This National Heroes’ Day long weekend, pamper your inner, workaholic hero. Even heroes need to take a break and slack off once in a while, so they can do their jobs better. Here’s to taking it easy, and enjoying every single moment of your long vacation!