We’ve all been there. You walk into work on Monday morning and you get stopped with the “So, what did you do this weekend?” question. You quickly comb through your thoughts and realize that you didn’t do much and it leaves you feeling like you wasted your off days. A lazy weekend is good once in a while, but did you know it’s possible to be productive even on your days out of the office? Don’t worry, we’re not saying that you have to bring your work home.
Here are a couple of activities that you can integrate into your weekend that will leave you well-rested and feeling productive.
Disconnect
One of the most beneficial tips for being productive on your weekends is to disconnect. Before you leave the office, make a list of the first things that need to be done when you return from the weekend. A to-do list like this will keep you on track in your work life without taking away from your personal life. After all, you won’t be able to take advantage of the weekend if you make yourself available during your ‘me-time’. If possible, leave the emails and business calls out of your weekend. This will help remove any stressors that will prohibit you from making the most of it.
Get Some Rest
Productivity and sleep may sound like opposite terms, but they aren’t necessarily. We live in a culture that worships constantly working, but the fact is that we need to sleep in order to be productive. Your body can’t function at its full potential if it's exhausted. According to a study, “...people who work as much as 70 hours (or more) per week actually get the same amount done as people who work 55 hours.” Not only will you be more energized but the quality of your work will improve! During the week, it can be really easy to sacrifice sleep in order to meet deadlines and keep everything moving smoothly. Ensure that you are setting time aside to recharge. Take the weekend to reward all that hard work, whether that means sleeping in or just taking a power nap.
Prioritize your Passions
During the week, it can be tough to make time for your hobbies and passions. After a long day at work and sitting in traffic, all you want to do is curl up and unwind. However, weekends are the perfect chance to dive into the activities that you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, writing or painting, indulging in your passions offers a change of scenery and is a great way to get your mind off anything that may be weighing you down.
This is also a great time to spend time with the people you love. Have brunch with your friends, go to your brother’s soccer game or plan a weekend getaway to see your parents. Weekends are the perfect opportunity to make plans with friends and family because you don’t have to worry about cutting your time short due to any work commitments. Life is about balance.
Destress
It can be a little tough to squeeze in a good workout during the workweek. Did you know exercise is known to boost your mood and energy levels? That is just another reason to make time to hit the gym. Create a workout routine that works for you and integrate it into your weekends. This is also a great time to think, reflect and get inspired. Many innovators and creatives state that creativity strikes when they’re getting a workout in. Adding as little as 10 minutes of physical activity to your day will get your heart pumping and feeling energized. You’ll be looking fabulous but more importantly, you’ll be keeping your health in check.Plan for the Week Ahead
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you spend a long time doing this. Spending as little as 10-15 minutes on planning out your week will give you a good overview of what you have going on. Think back on how many times an event has snuck up on you. If you take a couple of minutes to look over all of the events and tasks that you have on specific days, you’ll be better prepared and can avoid being caught off guard. In addition, allocate some time to de-clutter your home surroundings. Having an organized home on Sunday night will ensure that you come back to an environment you can truly relax in after a long Monday at the office.
If you’re trying to be more health-conscious, weekends are also a great time to pursue healthy eating. Meal prepping on Sunday is a great way to avoid unnecessary spending and ensure that you’re eating the nutrients and vitamins you need. You’ll be ready to conquer the week before it has even begun!
We know it can be tough to find that middle ground between relaxed and productive. Whether you’re catching up on a book or planning for the week ahead, the most important thing is to prioritize your mental health. Try finding activities that not only allow you to be productive, but that also add something positive to your life.
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