When the weekend rolls around, it’s tempting to try and complete everything you didn’t get done during the week—which is the opposite of resting and recharging! Giving your mind, body, and soul a break is just as important as having a productive weekend.
Trust us: it does get tempting to create an intense to-do list for your weekends and days off, but you need to slow down sometimes to really recharge. You’ll never be able to gain perspective or fully enjoy life if you’re constantly buried in emails and tasks! Check out these five fun ways to rest and get your energy back over the weekend.
Marathon Your Favorite Show
The number of new shows that are being produced and hitting the streaming services and TV channels is overwhelming! Let’s be honest—as soon as one good show is over, there are two more ready for you to watch.
One thing you can do to help recharge is to get your mind off of work, and onto the latest shows (or an old favorite!). Marathon watching your favorite shows helps give you an escape from the working world and all the usual stress it brings.
Marathoning can be done solo, or with your homies and family members. There are even ways to watch TV and movies simultaneously in your separate homes! Not only is this affordable, it’s also a lot of fun. Simply grab your favorite snacks and beverages, gear up for the marathon in appropriate attire (aka your comfiest sweats and a baggy T-shirt), and press play.
Unplug from Electronics
Sometimes the weekend calls for a break from the screens, instead of more time in front of them! There are many pros to technology, but a break now and then is also helpful—even if it feels a little anxiety-inducing at first.
When you unplug from your electronics, you get the chance to be fully in the present moment and focused on what’s happening around you, rather than what you might be missing somewhere else. Take time to reconnect with yourself by unplugging, even if it’s just from work-related technology after hours and on the weekend.
It’s amazing what you can do when you’re not glued to your phone or computer! When Friday evening rolls around, consider that the weekend stopping point for work-related technology. If you want to take it a step further and have no technology at all on the weekend, we know your time off will be full of restful naps and rejuvenating activities!
Read a Book
There aren’t just tons of new shows to watch—there are also plenty of new books out there! If you want to give your eyes a break from the screen and your brain a break from thinking about work, picking up the latest release from your favorite author is a therapeutic way to spend the weekend.
Another great thing about reading is that it’s way more portable than your TV, and it’s a COVID-friendly outdoor activity! We suggest going to your local park. Pack a few snacks, your book or e-reader, and get cozy.
Letting your mind get lost in the reading material of your choice is advantageous in a number of ways. Reading lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and reduces stress while aiding in sleep readiness. Not only that, reading can fight depression symptoms! It’s a great break from technology and an ideal way to rest and recharge over the weekend.
Bond with Family
With all the uncertainty in the world, it’s important for everyone to take a beat and spend some time with loved ones. It’s essential to surround ourselves with family and friends who can offer support in times of both joy and distress.
Tomorrow is never promised, so be sure to carve some time out of your schedule to hang out with those who matter. Studies show that having supportive relationships is a strong protective factor against mental illnesses, and helps to increase our overall well-being.
Even with social distancing in play, maintaining social bonds is possible—and even more important! Connecting with family may look and feel different, but keep in mind that the people who matter are just a click away.
Take a Staycation
A staycation is a short period of time during which an individual or family stays at home, participating in leisure activities within day-trip distance of their home. Staycations are great, because you don’t have to worry about securing accommodation, packing, travel expenses, or unexpected bad weather!
Taking a staycation is a great way to save money, enjoy your weekend in a new way, and avoid the stress that can happen with a longer trip.
Another cool thing about a staycation is you can do it with friends, family, or solo! A change of scenery always shifts the mindset. So, get out, get some air, and enjoy your life!
We encourage you to use your weekends as opportunities to catch up on sleep, hobbies, and relationships, rather than cramming in more work! Lack of sleep is connected to increased stress and anxiety, so use your weekend hours to catch up on sleep and feel rejuvenated.
What are some fun and affordable ways you like to rest and recharge over the weekend? Have you tried any of the suggestions in this article? If so, how did it go?
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