How to Create a Weekend That Actually Feels Like a Break

Key Takeaways

• Over-scheduling can make weekends feel as hectic as weekdays.
• Leaving some unplanned time can help you recharge.
• Tackling a few household tasks strategically can keep chores from taking over.
• Enjoyable weekends don’t have to revolve around spending money.

Main Article

For many people, weekends have quietly become two more days of errands, appointments, household projects and obligations. By Sunday night, instead of feeling refreshed, you may feel as though you’ve simply completed another workweek. A few intentional changes can help reclaim some of that downtime.

Rather than creating an exhaustive weekend to-do list, identify the two or three things that genuinely need to get done. Group errands together when possible and give yourself a cutoff time for chores. That unfinished closet, garage or landscaping project will still be there next weekend.

Then make room for something you enjoy that isn’t productive at all. Go for a walk, read outside, visit a local park, cook something just because you want to or spend an afternoon with friends. Fun doesn’t have to involve tickets, reservations or a shopping bag.

It can also help to protect a block of unscheduled time. When every hour is spoken for, even enjoyable activities can begin to feel like obligations. Leaving some room for spontaneity—or simply doing nothing—may be exactly what you need before Monday comes around again.