In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, weekends provide a precious opportunity to hit the reset button and focus on our well-being. This week in particular, I am tired. And I mean tired! Between the demands I have at work, meal prepping, shoveling snow, doctors appointments, home improvement meetings and more, I’m finding I need more than a movie marathon to help bounce back. But with a toddler at home, tasks that need to get done around the house (yes, your girls’ home is a mess!), and a packed week ahead, I’ve been thinking: ‘what can I do to help myself genuinely recharge my mind and body, knowing that I have another busy week? After some brainstorming I realized there are so many things I could do besides binge watching Netflix shows (although, I might make time for that :D).
Weekend wellness and learning how to recharge my mind and body has been a priority for me over the past few years, especially after the COVID pandemic. If you need to recharge from a busy few days, consider using your weekend to reboot your wellness. Below are some creative and practical ways to make the most of those two precious days and foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
How to Recharge Your Mind & Body This Weekend
Embrace Nature: Take advantage of the weekend to reconnect with the outdoors. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a stroll in the park, or a day at the beach, spending time outdoors has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Fresh air, sunlight, and the beauty of nature can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and increase overall well-being.
If you’re living in the dead of winter like I am, and if you’ve maxed out your workout expectations this week, consider driving on a scenic route or taking a few minutes to walk through a park. When it’s not super cold, I like walking outside for a few minutes or taking a drive on the highway to refresh my busy mind.
Unplug and Digital Detox: In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to take a break from screens. Use the weekend as an opportunity to unplug from your devices. Turn off your phone, step away from the computer, and give your mind a chance to rest. Engage in activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading a physical book, practicing mindfulness, or enjoying a hobby like painting or gardening.
I’ll be honest- I love watching t.v., so usually I’ll have a show or movie on while I’m doing housework. However, stepping away from my phone for a few hours has really helped me recharge mentally. Since I’m very close to my family, I’ll let them know that my phone will be off for a few hours or for the day so they don’t worry.
Prioritize Sleep and Rest: Weekends are the perfect time to catch up on much-needed sleep. Resist the urge to stay up late binge-watching your favorite shows and instead, create a relaxing bedtime routine. Adequate sleep is essential for overall wellness, and a well-rested body and mind are better equipped to tackle the challenges of the upcoming week.
When I can’t get to bed early, I’ll also opt for a power nap on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. For an effective 20-40 minute nap, I have to remove all distractions: t.v., my cell phone and background noise. I set an alarm to make sure my nap doesn’t turn into a two or three hour sleep, keeping me refreshed and preventing me from waking up groggy and grumpy.
Cook Something New: Use the weekend to experiment with healthy and delicious recipes. Cooking can be a therapeutic and rewarding activity. Plan a nutritious menu, try new ingredients, and involve friends or family in the culinary adventure.
The weekends are usually times when I’ll experiment with different meal prep ideas and snacks. Making the time to cook and try new food combinations helps me recharge and gives me a head start on meals for the week. To max out my time, I’ll create my grocery list on Thursday or Friday and buy all of the items I need after work/before Saturday morning arrives. This means not having to leave the house on the weekend if I don’t want to.
Mindful Movement: Physical activity is a key component of wellness. Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, find activities you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s a dance class, a scenic bike ride, or a yoga session, engage in mindful movement that brings joy and relaxation. The weekend is the perfect time to explore different forms of exercise and discover what suits you best.
As I mentioned earlier, athletes should be very mindful on the amount of additional exercise they take on. If you’ve maxed out your workout expectations for the week, or if you’re a current student-athlete, opt for light movement or techniques that promote healing, like stretching, using a foam roller, heating or icing your muscles.
Reflect and Set Intentions: Take a moment to reflect on the past week and set positive intentions for the week ahead. Journaling or meditation can be valuable tools for self-reflection. Consider your achievements, express gratitude, and identify areas for improvement. Setting intentions helps guide your actions and mindset, contributing to a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Typically, I’ll use Sunday’s as my day to put my plan of action together for the week ahead. Being intentional with my actions for the week, putting things into perspective, and taking time truly count my blessings gives me a great start to the week- especially when I know I have a busy week ahead.
As the weekend approaches, seize the opportunity to prioritize your well-being. By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your weekend routine, you can reboot your wellness and set the stage for a healthier, more balanced life. As I’ve gotten older, I find it’s really important to make time to focus on my mental and physical health, even if that means I’m putting off a task that I need to get done the following week. Remember, small, intentional actions can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. So, make the most of your weekends and embark on a journey to a revitalized and rejuvenated you.