Let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of underestimating the true meaning of productivity. We often associate it with being constantly busy, rather than recognizing the value of taking time to rest and reflect. But here’s the truth: busyness does not equate to productivity.
Sure, being productive can mean getting things done efficiently, but it can also mean giving your mind a much-needed break. In fact, studies show that when people are exhausted and burnt out, their work suffers, and they become less engaged. And get this, engaged employees are a whopping 28% more productive than their unengaged counterparts! That’s not all, they’re also happier, more attentive, and more innovative.
So, what can you do to make your weekends more productive in every sense of the word? Here are a few suggestions to kick things off.Some of these suggestions are geared towards the conventional definition of productivity, while others focus on giving yourself a break to enhance your long-term happiness, creativity, and efficiency.
Use A Different Skill Other Than The Ones You Use At Work/During Weekdays
If you’re like most people, your weekdays are probably filled with long hours at your desk, attending meetings, and working on mundane tasks. That’s why it’s essential to switch things up on the weekends and try different activities that can boost your happiness and productivity.
Believe it or not, the activities you engage in can actually affect the way your brain functions. When you use different skills, you activate different neurons in your brain, which can help you make unique connections and associations. For example, when musicians face writer’s block, they often turn to a different instrument to help them get unstuck. The new instrument stimulates their brain in a fresh way and helps them approach the problem from a different angle.
So, why not take advantage of this phenomenon and try something new this weekend? It could be as simple as learning a new hobby or engaging in a sport that requires a different set of skills than what you use during the workweek. Who knows? It may just help you discover a new passion or unlock your creativity in a way you never thought possible.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself With Your To-Do List
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. It’s Saturday morning, and you’re staring at a never-ending to-do list with twenty different tasks that need to be done ASAP. But before you dive in headfirst, take a step back and prioritize your list. Trying to tackle everything on your list is a recipe for stress and burnout.
Instead, focus on the most important tasks that need to be done, and do them well. One great technique for prioritizing your to-do list is the impact vs. effort analysis. It’s simple but effective. Before starting a task, ask yourself how much effort it will require and what immediate impact it will have. This will help you quickly identify which items on your list will have the most significant impact in the least amount of time.
For instance, let’s say you wake up on a Saturday with a bursting inbox, but you also want to write a blog post before lunch. Instead of stressing about both, run a quick impact vs. effort analysis. You might realize that going through 30+ emails will require a significant effort, but it has little impact on your success. Writing the blog post, on the other hand, requires more effort, but it has a much higher impact and should be prioritized accordingly. So, don’t try to do it all, focus on the important stuff, and watch your productivity soar!
Don’t Think About What Causes You The Stress
Taking breaks can actually be beneficial for your future productivity. Giving your mind a rest can improve your performance and overall productivity at work.Research shows that almost nine out of ten American workers feel like time off increases their happiness, and 91% of business leaders believe their employees return from breaks recharged and ready to work more effectively.
So, if you don’t have anything specific that needs to be done, take some time off to recharge. Give being outdoors a shot and take in some of the fresh air. Spending five days a week in the office can be exhausting, and by Friday, you may feel drained. Engaging in outdoor activities can be a great way to recharge and give your mind a break.
Meditation is another way to release your mind from stressors, and it has extraordinary health and productivity benefits like increased focus, reduced stress, and greater creativity. If you’ve never meditated before, there are some great apps that offer guided meditations. Headspace, for example, offers ten free guided meditation sessions, and Calm provides dozens of guided meditation sessions ranging from a few minutes to 30 minutes long. So, give your mind a break and come back refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks with renewed energy.
Sleep
Let’s talk about sleep. We all know we need it, but it can be hard to get the recommended seven to eight hours a night. Maybe you’ve been burning the midnight oil to finish a project or just find it tough to quiet your mind when it’s time to hit the hay. Whatever the reason, if you’re not getting enough sleep during the week, you’re not alone.
But did you know you can catch up on sleep? Yep, it’s true! And not only will you feel more rested, but you’ll also be doing your body a favor. Lack of sleep has been linked to all sorts of health problems, like heart disease, obesity, and even memory loss.
Here’s the deal: let’s say you’ve missed out on ten hours of sleep over the course of the week. No biggie — just add an extra three or four hours of sleep to your weekend routine, and then tack on an extra hour or two to your sleep schedule during the week until you’ve made up all ten hours. It’s like hitting the reset button on your sleep schedule.
Now, I know it’s not always easy to get those seven to eight hours a night. Life happens. But do your best to prioritize sleep as much as you can. After all, a well-rested you is a happier, healthier, and more productive you.
Don’t Do Errands Either On Saturday / Sunday
Weekends aren’t just for catching up on work or running errands, they’re also for spending time with loved ones, doing things that bring you joy, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s important to remember that these activities are just as valuable as any work-related task, even if they don’t directly contribute to your company’s bottom line.
But if you struggle to disconnect from your obligations during the weekend, consider setting aside at least one day to fully unplug. Avoid running errands, doing chores, or even opening your work computer. Giving yourself permission to take one day off can make it easier to tackle your responsibilities on the other day, without feeling overwhelmed or burned out.
If You Want To Do Work, Don’t Take Up The Whole Day
It can be challenging to work efficiently during the weekends as there appears to be an abundance of time. However, time can pass by quickly, and before you know it, the day is over, and you’ve accomplished nothing. To combat this, it’s crucial to set a time limit for work-related tasks. By doing so, you’ll be able to concentrate better, complete your work quicker, and have more time to enjoy your weekend.
Help In Volunteer Programs
Volunteering offers numerous intangible benefits, such as pride, satisfaction, accomplishment, stronger connections with others, and a strengthened community. Helping those less fortunate can also put your own problems into perspective. Moreover, research suggests that volunteering has a strong relationship with physical health.
Weekends provide an excellent opportunity to get involved in local volunteer events. If you’re unsure about a specific cause to support, consider reaching out to your local library, youth center, animal shelter, homeless shelter, or hospital to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Alternatively, you can check out VolunteerMatch.org to find good causes that align with your interests and time commitments in your local community.
Bottom Line: Make Yourself Happy
To avoid Sunday night blues, it’s important to prioritize something enjoyable for those last few hours of the weekend. Rather than sifting through work emails, opt for an activity that brings you joy, such as reading a book, going for a run with your dog, meditating, or cooking a nice meal. Another suggestion is to take some time to reflect on the past week, identifying what made you happy, what you’re thankful for, what you achieved, and how to make the next week even better. By doing so, you can extend your weekend and keep your focus on positive things, rather than worrying about Monday morning. This can help you go to bed with a peaceful mindset, free from the stress of the week ahead.
