If you’re spending your entire weekend doing chores, you probably return to work on Monday feeling tired. No one does their best work when tired. Instead of spending the entire weekend grocery shopping, taking the kids on play dates, and cleaning the house, carve out some time for self-care. You will be amazed how taking just a little time for yourself can supercharge your productivity.
Here are a few self-care ideas to practice this weekend:
Eat Right
If you spend your workweek lunch hours sitting in line at a drive through, you probably feel sluggish by 2 PM. Over the weekend, instead of following the same fast-food routine, pick up healthy, easy-to-grab snacks and meals during your grocery run. If you have a Trader Joe’s near you, grab nuts, dried fruit, and cheeses instead of cheese doodles and donuts.
To make meal planning healthier and easier on the weekend (and all week, for that matter), look at in-store recipes and meal kits at your local grocer. If you live near a Fresh Market, their Little Big Meals make great, healthy meals the whole family will enjoy. Unlike most things at Fresh Market, the Little Big Meals are reasonably priced at $20 for a three (or more) course meal for a family of four. This past week, we had barbecue pork sandwiches on brioche buns, with coleslaw, corn on the cob, and cupcakes for dessert.
Publix is my go-to for groceries, so we often buy rotisserie chickens or plain, un-breaded wings for weekend munchies. You can order wings from the Publix app, which saves a ton of time. You can order sandwiches and deli cuts from the app, too. Publix has even started delivery in some areas, so really, do you even need the drive through on the weekdays?
Dress Beautifully
It’s easy to think that just because you’re not at work you can wear whatever you want. It’s true, but running around town in yoga pants and a super messy bun probably isn’t doing much for your self-esteem. It’s probably making you feel like you’re a mess outside of the office.
Take the time to put on clothes that make you feel good about yourself, even on the weekend. If you feel like you have nothing to wear, try something like Filly Flair that provides numerous summary styles and accessories. Visit their site if you are looking for inspiration.
As far as your beauty routine, you can still feel relaxed yet look put together. Experiment with easy updos, and try a lip stain like Revlon Colorstay so you don’t have to think about your lipstick at all after you apply it in the morning. My weekend makeup is generally lipstick and mascara, but do whatever you need to feel like you’re taking care of yourself.
Take a Walk
Try to slip away for at least half an hour over the weekend to walk outside. Be deliberate about it—feel the warm sun on your skin. Smell the flowers. Embrace the wind. Just being outside is often enough to feel rejuvenated, but the physical action of walking can make you feel more confident, mindful, and relaxed.
Take a Nap
Even a quick, 30-minute nap can make you feel more rested and focused. It’s a nice time-out for your brain, and a common habit among successful people.
Read Something Recreational
During the workweek, we are focused on reading emails, text messages, memos, and industry-related materials that we forget what a joy reading can be. On the weekend, try to find a few moments to read something you enjoy.
You don’t have to read novel to experience the joy of reading. Pick up a pretty magazine at the grocery checkout, but steer clear of the ones that have diet tips plastered all over them. You don’t need that kind of negativity when you’re trying to relax.
Do One Thing
If you’re reading this list and thinking, “I don’t have time to sit around and read a magazine and take a nap,” make the commitment to yourself to do just one thing for you this weekend. It doesn’t have to be a big something. Find half an hour to try just one thing that will help you relax and refocus. You’ll be surprised at how much more you will accomplish after even a small break.
Wake Up Early (Maybe)
Other people suggest waking up super early to feel more successful and productive, but Jarell and I haven’t had much luck with that. Check out this video to learn more about that theory:
Eat the Frog on Monday Morning
If the weekend flies by and you find yourself feeling cheated on Monday morning, the best thing you can do is tackle your most difficult tasks at the beginning of the day. Whatever you’re dreading, get it over with. The rest of your day, or even your workweek, will feel smoother and more accomplished with this task out of the way, and you’ll be more likely to feel secure in taking a little time for yourself when the weekend comes again.
