1. Go For A Walk
After the year we’ve had, I think we all appreciate the gift of the outdoors a little more than we used to. If it is safe for you to do so, try to get a long walk this weekend. Walk your dog (if you have one) in your neighborhood or drive to a nearby park. The sunlight will give you a boost of mood-lifting vitamin D, and the physical activity of walking will give your body a rush of feel-good endorphins. We recommend starting your weekend with a little outdoor physical exercise, so you feel energized to face the rest of the week.
2. Clean House
It may seem like a chore, but you’ll be glad for the clean house when the workweek starts again. Start with the smallest room and work your way up from there. Buy a nice candle, play some music, and when you’re done – kick back, relax, and enjoy your new, fresh living space. A clean and clutter-free environment is suitable for your wellbeing.
3. Give Yourself Some “Me Time”
Weekends can fill up fast – be sure to give yourself some time for self-care. Pick out an audiobook and listen to it while relaxing on the couch or in a bath. Try out some yoga if at all possible. Take a relaxing bath and meditate.
4. Make Some Plans
In the same vein as the advice given above – clarify your weekend plans earlier in the week. You’ll be glad you have already penciled in some “you” time when a friend wants to pop by for a quick visit or some other event occurs. Being more intentional with your limited weekend time will help you feel balanced and in control of your own life.
5. Put Some Things Off
If you have a task that’s been bugging you, like cleaning out the gutters or rearranging your kitchen cabinets, choose to do them in stages during your free time in your workweek. Try organizing one cabinet a day – and don’t sacrifice an entire Saturday to it. It’s okay to defer some projects that aren’t immediately pressing. Don’t be afraid to throw things out that you do not use!
6. Meal Prep
We all know how hectic a workweek can be. While it is probably more manageable these days to cook daily, as many of us are working from home – if you have free time to cook ahead on the weekends, this can make for a smoother Monday-Friday. Meal planning is a better way to ensure that you provide healthy meals for your family as well.
Click below to read some quick recipes you can make this weekend:
Read More: 5 Easy Meals You Can Make This Weekend
7. Avoid Sticking To A Routine
Saturday morning chores, Sunday calendar scheduling – while some things, like meal prepping for the week or making sure you vacuum regularly, can benefit your overall wellness, sometimes creating a too-rigid routine can hurt more than help. Your weekend is your time to relax and let loose – try to give yourself an hour or two of free time that you can choose something new to try, like painting, trying a new recipe, or going on a scenic drive.
8. Spend Time Away From The Office
As many of our offices have moved into our spare bedrooms or living rooms, it can feel almost impossible to avoid work on the weekends. If you work from a laptop, close it and put it out of sight. Close and put away notebooks, and turn your phone on silent. Make a point not to check your email – maybe even put your phone away for a day.
9. Wake Up Early
Try to go to bed at a decent hour on Friday, to wake up prepared to make the most of your Saturday morning. You’ll have more energy throughout the day and weekend overall if you start off having had plenty of rest. Use that “extra” time in the morning to sit and drink your morning coffee with intention, instead of drinking it in hurried sips while working on Monday tasks.
10. Practice Mindfulness
The weekend can seem full of promise, which makes it tempting to try to shoehorn in tasks you usually wouldn’t be able to accomplish during your workweek. Instead of jumping from one task to another – even if they’re fun! – take some time to sit with your thoughts and curate a sense of gratitude. Your weekend will pass a little more slowly, in a good way.
