There are ways to spend your weekends in a way that leaves you feeling refreshed and oh-so-productive. I’ve been there too, balancing between chillaxing and getting things done.
01 Reflect on your goals and make plan
Have you ever had those Mondays when you can’t remember what you need to do because chaos has taken over your life and you forgot to make a to-do list over the weekend? The answer is to take just 15–30 minutes of your weekend, maybe during that lazy Saturday morning coffee, to sit down and reflect on your goals, both short-term and long-term. Write down your tasks and commitments. Plan your upcoming week. This simple routine during or after your lovely weekend breakfast will work wonders! When the workweek strikes, there are no more frantic searches for lost Post-it notes or trying to remember that important meeting.
02 Move your body
Weekends are the perfect time to recharge and engage in physical activities that you enjoy. Get your stretch on and embrace some self-care activities. Whether it’s practicing yoga in your living room, going for a walk around your neighborhood, or trying a new workout class at the nearest gym, moving your body can have a massive impact on your overall productivity and health. Even if you’re new to working out, simple stretching can work wonders. Spend just 10 minutes doing easy exercises like touching your toes, shoulder rolls, or gentle neck stretches. Doing small bursts of exercise might seem like tiny moments, but in the long run, they can have a lasting effect on your well-being.
03 Declutter and Organize in Small Area
Cleaning and organizing that cluttered closet or messy drawer you’ve been meaning to clean tends to take a back seat, especially throughout the workweek. Instead of stressing about tackling the entire house in one go (no one has time for that), concentrate on one small area at a time. Set aside 30 minutes or an hour and get your inner Marie Kondo mode on. Maybe start with that disorganized kitchen cupboard or your overflowing shoe cabinet. Sort through all the useless stuff, and don’t be afraid to part ways with things you no longer need. You know that satisfying feeling when you finish the task you’ve been wanting to do, right? Decluttering your physical space not only creates a more organized living space but also brings a sense of calm and peace to your mind.
04 Learn New Things
There are endless things you can learn on weekends rather than just scrolling through your phone for hours. Dedicate one hour or two learning a skill you’ve always been wanting to learn. Start it on weekends and take it one step at a time. How about learning how to speak Spanish for your next trip abroad? Or perhaps playing the ukulele that you’ve always wanted to learn? You could even expand your knowledge and read books on subjects that interest you. Learning doesn’t have to be all serious business, after all. So, seize the weekends, who said learning is just for classrooms?
05 Spend the Day with Loved Ones
Make it a priority to spend quality time with friends and family. Life can get a little busy, and sometimes spending time with our loved ones takes a backseat. Let’s be real here: juggling personal and work commitments during the weekdays, we sometimes miss out on precious moments with the people who matter most. So, spend the weekends to show our appreciation and love for the special people in our lives. You can plan a picnic in the park with your family or organize a brunch catch-up with your friends. Also, you can simply plan a chill game night and have meaningful conversations with your loved ones. It’s the little things that count!
06 Engage in Creative Activities
Weekend activities that are both enjoyable and productive include engaging in creative activities. You don’t need to be the next Picasso or Mozart to enjoy these processes! Remember those fun childhood days when we were all artists, coloring outside the lines and using the kitchen table as a canvas? It’s time to rekindle that spirit! Grab some colored pens or watercolors and let your creativity flow onto paper. If music is your jam, why not pick up an instrument and sing your heart out? Or, you can write your own stories—whatever tickles your fancy!
READ MORE: 10 Old-School Hobbies to Try If You Want to Get Out of Social Media
07 You Time
Carving out special “me time” moments during a Saturday morning has been a game changer for me. As we get busier, we often forget to hit pause and take care of ourselves. So make sure to include self-care as a non-negotiable on your weekend to-do list. This could include pampering yourself with a bubble bath, meditating, or diving into a good book. Prioritizing self-care ensures you’re ready to tackle the week ahead. And taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s a crucial ingredient for a happy, productive, and balanced life.
08 Go offline
Here is a good challenge to take: take a break from unnecessary Twitter doom scrolling and give ourselves a much-needed digital detox on weekends. Most of us have a love-hate relationship with technology. It’s a constant struggle to check emails and to be bombarded with notifications. But you know what? Going offline, even for a short while, can do wonders for our mental wellness. For a set period of time, put your phone on silent, resist the urge to check social media, and do activities that don’t involve screens. Use this time to read a physical book, write in your journal, or have face-to-face conversations with your partner. So, challenge yourself; trust me, you won’t miss out on anything. And once you’ve accomplished it, it can be quite liberating.
09 Review your finances
Taking control of your finances might not sound as exciting as trying out new foods or going on a vacation, but it is very important. Taking the time to review your finances can alleviate stress and set you on a path towards financial freedom. Set aside just one hour during your weekend to get your finances in check. Grab your favorite cup of tea and ready your pen and paper. Start by listing down your monthly expenses and seeing where your hard-earned cash is going. Then, jot down your financial goals, whether it’s building an emergency fund, creating a budget for the month, or paying off debt. Keep it in a dedicated envelope as a visual reminder of your money goals.
10 Prepare your Meals in Advance
Plan and prep some scrumptious meals for the upcoming busy weekdays. Imagine having a busy weekday evening and craving a delicious homemade meal, but oops! Missing half the ingredients. I know the feeling all too well. The solution is to spend a few hours planning and preparing meals for the upcoming week. Go out and do the grocery shopping. You’ll save some precious time and money by avoiding impromptu takeout runs. Also, think about having prepared meals in the fridge that you just need to reheat and enjoy.