Does your work blur into your weekend? That can cause problems with productivity. A change in your weekend routines might help.
Your weekend needs to feel different from your busy week, which will happen if you experience various activities and hobbies you don’t have time for during the week. Doing something different allows your mind and body to recover from the typical stresses you face during the week.
These tips will help you relax and rejuvenate while gearing up for a productive week:
1. Do something fun on Sunday night
Sunday nights can make you a little down, thinking about the start of the week. Dampen those Sunday night blues by doing something you can look forward to. You could plan a dinner with friends, take an evening yoga class, or find a way to volunteer in your community. Doing this will extend the weekend to its fullest and keep you focused on enjoying your time instead of thinking about Monday morning.
2. Create traditions
The happiest people often have special activities they do on the weekends that don’t require a lot of planning—Friday night pizza, a good book, Sunday morning pancakes. These habits become great memories and comforting rituals that boost happiness.
3. Cut down on tech
Enjoying a day off from technology is good for your brain. It creates space for other things in life. Encourage your family to do it with you and put away their smartphones for a day or even just a few hours. It encourages you to have a different relationship with your spouse, friends, and kids. If you need to work on the weekends, create a specific window of time to finish a project, sort through your inbox, and then move away from it. This will give you a chance to relax and enjoy your weekend more than if you went back and forth to your office.
4. Schedule nap time
Naps have been shown to increase focus and mental awareness. Encouraging your family to rest for a bit in the mid-afternoon ensures that you’ll actually take the time to let your body rest and recuperate.
5. Don’t multi-task
It may be tempting to maximize your weekend productivity by working out while calling your mother or reading your newsfeed, but this just reduces efficiency and effectiveness. Instead, try being present for every single activity.
6. Stay active
Successful people know that staying physically active is beneficial for an active mind — weekends included. If nothing else, it will counteract that glass of wine and chocolate cake from Saturday night.
7. Plan it out
In today’s distracted world, not having weekend plans usually means you’ll end up mindlessly binge-watching television or trolling the internet. You don’t need a detailed, minute-by-minute plan, but decide on a few activities you want to enjoy or accomplish. Planning ahead also lets you enjoy the anticipation of something fun. Psychology research shows we’re often happier anticipating an event, like a vacation, than we are during or after it.
Most importantly, enjoy a few days of rest and fun so your body and mind can recuperate from the long week and you’re ready to face the week ahead.
I Am Here To Help
I would love to speak with you to determine if I can help you accomplish your goals. If you need guidance on your career, I am here to help. If you find yourself in a situation where you need career advice or support and want to talk about planning for your future, reach out to me, Rachel Schneider at Career Find, for a free Intro Call.