Here’s a question you might be hearing in the office today, “Got any plans for the weekend?” While answers will obviously vary, the idea of living life on a looser schedule is usually quite appealing. Like the railing pictured here, the structured work week leads into the wide open waters of the weekend. Ahh…just float and relax, right?
But come Monday morning, how many of us have felt as though we were jerked back onto the shore too soon -feeling a sense of dread Sunday evening, fatigue when the alarm goes off, or wishing you had more weekend? Sadly, too many. So if you are ready to experience more joy than dread come Monday, then let’s change that!
Creating a weekend that leaves you relaxed and refreshed won’t happen by accident. If you want it to happen then you need to make space for it. The concept of creating a more structured weekend is not new. Author Laura Vanderkam promotes it in her book, What Most Successful People Do on the Weekend. The idea naturally sparks some debate, fueled by the desire for freedom from a schedule, so often equated with work. However, Erica Brown, writes in Take your Soul to Work,
In some languages, the word for rest is related to soul. A true rest reconnects us with our true selves, needs and desires. It gives expression to our sense of wonder.
Wow, express our sense of wonder. To me that says let the world see the wonder of who we are come Monday, instead of being tired, stressed, and wishing we were somewhere else. So get your calendar and schedule these energizing essentials into your weekend:
Move your body Exercise helps create a powerful and efficient body and mind. Try and avoid going from couch potato to weekend warrior in one weekend. Instead, boost your work week routine by adding time or intensity, joining a group, finding a new location, such as a nearby park, or learning a new activity.
Keep the same sleep-wake cycle that you have during the week, or at the very least, don’t sleep in! This resets your internal clock, which takes up to 2 days to reset, leaving you feeling tired until then.
Nurture you Your purpose, who you were created to be. It may be by connecting with people or by finding solitude, learning something new or honing an existing skill. Not sure about your purpose? Dedicate time to find it and define it. Personally, I enjoy time alone in a coffee shop learning about blogging, photography, healthcare, or being a better me.
Use the non-dominant side of your brain This activates pathways that can help you find creative solutions for complex problems. Try learning a craft, enjoying a hobby, viewing art…or for the left brains: doing some algebra.
Help someone How about a charity walk, a clean up day, or a friendly, uplifting conversation with your barista or bestie?
Be grateful Gratitude reroutes energy away from unproductive worry and towards joy; putting life into perspective. This helps me prioritize tasks and be calm in stressful times. What are you grateful for? To make it impactful, be specific, write it down, and tell a friend.
So there you have it. My recipe for an energizing weekend. And I encourage you, as you walk alongside the structured railing of the work week, to ask yourself, how will I give myself time this weekend to help me be Monday Ready?