For thousands of years, a certain portion of the week has been kept as a quiet space for the sacred, cordoned off from the struggles of the rest of the week.
Even if the modern, Western idea of the weekend is a little bit different from what our ancestors might have recognised, its purpose remains the same.
It’s a time to reflect, regroup, and recharge before returning to work on Monday.
But getting the weekend right often means performing a few key rituals. These can help you get ready for the week ahead. What works might vary from person to person, but there are several activities worth thinking about.
Sunday Planning Sessions
If you set aside a portion of your Sunday to plan what you’re going to do during the week ahead, you’ll be able to approach life with a little more distance and perspective – and you’ll be more productive when you’re at work.
Your planning sessions might involve setting out a schedule with to-do lists and priorities for each day. You can also use the time to review your performance during the previous week and decide whether you need to change course slightly.
Digital Detox and Mindful Breaks
The modern world exposes us to stress in myriad ways, but some of the more pernicious threats come from our digital devices. If you find that you’re constantly scrolling through doom-laden news articles and vapid social media content, then you might make a conscious effort to unplug through non-digital practices like mindfulness meditation and journaling. There are even resorts available that make it easy to set your phone aside.
Meal Prep for the Week Ahead
Eating and drinking the right things can have a considerable impact on our quality of life. But during the week, it can be difficult to find time to cook. This can make us more prone to falling back on convenience food, which is often laden with salts, sugars and trans fats and devoid of the vitamins, minerals and macronutrients that we really need.
By cooking your meals in bulk at the weekend, you can reduce your mental load during the week and improve your diet and general well-being at the same time.
Physical Activity and Outdoor Time
Arguably as important for your mental and physical health is getting regular exercise and spending at least a portion of your time outdoors. The weekend can be an excellent time to do this. You might supplement a schedule of short, intensive weekday exercise sessions with longer hikes, yoga sessions, or simply strolling through the park.
Tidying and Organising Your Space
Clutter is something that’s easy to lose control of. If your bedroom or workspace is filled with junk, it’s worth setting aside an hour or two to get on top of the problem. A clear, tidy space can help to create a sense of calm. Thus, it’s a boon throughout the week. New-build houses often come with built-in storage, including loft space, which can make it easier to stay on top of clutter.
Quality Rest and Sleep Routine
If you aren’t getting enough sleep, then the quality of your waking life might suffer. Above all, consistency matters. If you go to bed at ten in the evening on a weekday, then going to bed at two in the morning on a Saturday night and lying in on Sunday can throw your circadian rhythm off.
Social Connections and Me-Time Balance
Face-to-face social contact with close friends and relatives is essential, and the weekend is an excellent time to enjoy it. But at the same time, you mustn’t commit every waking hour to other people. Take a few hours at the weekend to do something that you enjoy. This might mean a gaming session, a round of golf, or a personal, creative project.
