Let us all face it that the stressful life has become the norm nowadays. Five days a week for eight hours a day in the office or school is no joke – add the bulk of homework and take-home paperwork that you have to carry with you. Honestly, the two-day rest is not really enough. This is the reason why planning the weekend can be very helpful.
While sleeping is a relaxing thing to do during the weekend, there are other small activities that are more beneficial to do.
Exercise But Do Not Overdo It
As a matter of fact, your joints get stuck for the whole week of sitting at your workspace all day. The life of an office person is really a sedentary one. Do your muscles some favor and make it a habit to move during your free time.
Exercise is good not just for the body but also for our emotional well-being. It releases the brain’s happy hormone called ‘serotonin.’ This chemical is responsible for the feelings of being happy and being energized.
Cook
Discover a nutritious recipe you’ve been eager to make and cook it. Indulge in a delicious, healthy meal. Despite the appeal of dining out, strive for a balance between home cooking and eating out. This can be a fun opportunity to bond with loved ones like your spouse or children.
Dance!
With various forms, anyone can enjoy the numerous benefits dancing offers, regardless of skill level. From dancing at clubs with friends to grooving to music at home, it’s a mood-booster. Dancing not only improves physical health, but also builds confidence and self-esteem. So slip on your dancing shoes and show off your moves!
Read Anything To Your Liking
Reading can help with any issues about anxiety that you do not know you may be having. It helps reduce stress levels and can even give you a new perspective in life.
It is good that you divert your attention for a while from reality and read any book that may spark your interest. However, do not confine yourself to novels if these do not really do anything that will help you relax. You can resort to the internet and read articles, journals, and blog posts to lighten the mood. Do these with caution, especially if your eyes need a break from gadgets and bright screens.
Do Sports
This is your time to be healthy and be alive! Go out and be active about your passion with old friends or new ones. One sports activity may awaken the competitive you. Showcase these extraordinary talents of yours, which you cannot show in the office or at your school.
Shop And Treat Yourself
You can do this online or through physical stores. You have done many accomplishments this week, no matter how small they may be. It feels good that you have to treat yourself even if it is just a piece of cake to go with your coffee. Plus, it is something to look forward to if it becomes a habit in the long run.
Window Shop
Or you can just combine exercise and shopping by taking a power-walk around your local mall before making any purchases. Wear comfortable shoes and walk the mall 3-4 times, observing what catches your eye to remember later. This way, you’ll stay active while shopping on the weekend.
Redecorate
Change the colors of your room or tweak a bit the organization of your living room. Your bedroom is an expression of yourself. Your physical environment can significantly impact your mood for the day.
Look for colors and other stuff that will make you feel energized. Remember that this is the first view you will encounter once you wake up. Clean your space and reduce the stress that a ‘chaotic’ room adds to your week.
To Make the Weekend More Interesting And Relaxing…
Mornings are just for you. Make mornings your personal time.With family around, it can be tough to find alone time on weekends. Starting the day with a passion-filled activity can boost happiness and mental clarity. Maintaining a consistent wake-up time helps regulate your circadian rhythm and allows you to take advantage of peak mental performance in the hours following waking.
Move on from the past – Don’t dwell on a single unsuccessful client meeting. A good boss understands that perfection is unattainable and not every meeting will go smoothly. Stay confident, identify areas for improvement, and keep striving to do your best.
Don’t do much chores. Chores can easily consume your entire weekend, leaving no time for rest and reflection. To avoid working seven days a week, schedule chores during the week and if not completed, continue the following weekend.
Don’t sleep too much in the morning. Although sleeping in on weekends may feel tempting, it disrupts your circadian rhythm and leads to grogginess and fatigue. To prevent this, stick to your regular wake-up time, even on weekends. If you need extra rest, go to bed earlier instead.
Disconnect from work email and social media – Immerse yourself in life and gain a new perspective by disconnecting from work email and social media during the weekend. Start by avoiding them on one day, like Saturday, and gradually increase. Minimize technology usage, but don’t eliminate it completely. For instance, calling or texting to make plans, emailing a friend, or watching a movie are acceptable ways to use technology for leisure.
Prioritize loved ones – Keep your loved ones from being neglected by scheduling special moments with them. Plan a romantic picnic with your partner, take your kids to an amusement park, or catch up with your sister over coffee. Our personal relationships bring more fulfillment than any job ever could.
Organize in advance – Consider your weekly schedule, including important tasks at home and work, and anticipate any last-minute requests from your boss. Plan accordingly and set achievable goals to stay motivated and not overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
Weekend activities do not necessarily mean that you have to spend a fortune to have extravagant getaways. All you have to do is pick a small activity that will definitely calm and re-energize your mind and body. Even if they have to be done inside the home, make your weekend activities worth it. Every minute should be all about yourself and your loved ones only.