How to recharge from work on the weekends

Get enough sleep

It can be tempting to stay out late on the weekends—after all, you don’t have to be up early to go to work. However, it’s crucial that you take time over the weekend to get enough sleep. Most adults need a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night.¹ To feel truly rested once Monday hits, make sleep a priority on the weekends.

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Plan a staycation

You don’t need to make elaborate travel plans to have an invigorating weekend. In fact, sometimes staying at home can be more relaxing. Take time to visit landmarks or attractions you’ve never seen up close, go to a spa, or have dinner at a restaurant that’s caught your eye. You might take your staycation to the next level by getting a hotel room for the weekend. It can make for a wonderful change of scenery, especially if you work from home.

Unplug from devices

Tempting as it may be to check your work email or even spend the entire weekend scrolling through social media, try to avoid spending too much time on your devices. Instead, use this opportunity to declutter your mind. It’s especially important to avoid checking your work email, Teams, or anything work-related over the weekend. Remember, the weekend is your time to relax. You can respond to work messages when you return on Monday. If you feel tempted to do work over the weekend, put your work laptop away so you don’t feel compelled to check it and consider silencing your work email on your phone.

Plan a romantic weekend getaway

A romantic weekend getaway with your significant other is a great way to recharge and relax over the weekend. Get out of town and seeing new sights for a dose of fun and perspective. If you’re single, you can always plan a weekend trip with a close friend or a solo adventure. Choose a destination that isn’t too far away. That way, you can spend your weekend enjoying the place instead of just getting to and fro.

Organize your home

While many people don’t view cleaning as a relaxing task, straightening up and organizing the clutter in your home will recharge you for the week ahead. In fact, decluttering your living area is good for your mental health—too much stuff in your space is stressful!² Take the time to do your laundry, go through junk mail, or clean up your living space for a restful weekend.

Spend time in nature

Going for a hike and enjoying nature’s beauty is an excellent option for those who are looking to recharge from work over the weekend. Research shows that spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve your mood.³ On top of that, exercise is known to be great for your mental health. Exercise can reduce anxiety and depression.⁴

Make time for self-care

Self-care is crucial for those who want to recharge from work on the weekends. Self-care looks different for everyone, but taking a bath, journaling, meditating, reading a book, painting your nails, or getting a massage are a few examples of ways you can take care of yourself.

When you take the time to recharge over the weekend, you are more likely to feel refreshed when you must return to work on Monday. Just remember—when you are having a stressful week at work, you’ll at least have a relaxing weekend to look forward to.

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