10 simple tips to turn your weekend into a real vacation
Kyiv • UNN
Experts shared practical recommendations for a quality weekend getaway. The tips include sleeping patterns, disconnecting from work, outdoor activities, and other relaxation methods.
We all live under constant stress nowadays. But sometimes, most of us have time to spend more relaxed, benefiting ourselves, our bodies, and our psycho-emotional state. Weekends can be such a time. UNN has prepared some tips for you to make the most of your weekend.
- Keep your usual sleep schedule
No matter how much you want to sleep longer on the weekend, it won't do you any good. You will not be able to get enough sleep on the weekend, but only knock the body out of its usual schedule. Maintaining regularity will be much more beneficial for the body than an extra hour or two of sleep once or twice a week. Of course, if you went to bed much later the day before, the body will demand its own and you can make an exception. But it is better to stick to the schedule.
- Treat the weekend like a little vacation
Try not to think about what the next work week has in store for you. And, if you set yourself up to treat the weekend as a mini-vacation, it will be much easier to do. Allocate your time in such a way that household chores take up a smaller part of it and say that you have two days of vacation.
- Stay in the moment
Enjoy every moment - focus on your feelings from ordinary activities, such as your morning coffee. Psychologists often also advise using the following relaxation technique: identify 5 things you can see; 4 things you can feel; 3 things you can hear; 2 things you can smell; and one thing you can taste. This will allow you to stay in the moment, which in turn will reduce stress and distract you from negative thoughts.
- Turn off all work notifications
Of course, if you really have the opportunity. Or at least don't constantly check work chats or email. Don't spend your weekends worrying about your work responsibilities - it's your time.
- Spend more time outdoors
Take a walk in the park, go out of town. This will give you both physical and mental strength. Visiting new places will be especially useful.
Also, if you usually use a treadmill for training, then the weekend may be a good time to try running in the fresh air. Of course, a lot depends on the weather conditions, but even a short walk will have a positive effect on your body.
- Spend time on your favorite activities
Make time for your hobbies or, for example, reading a book, even playing video games. If you like to cook, cook something unusual. The main thing is to do something that really gives you pleasure. And don't think of it as wasted time - you've spent it on yourself.
- Make time for sports
Even if you feel tired after a working week, still find the strength to do at least simple exercises. If you have previously neglected sports at all, then not Monday, but the weekend can be a good time to increase your physical activity.
You can also try relaxation exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga.
- Communicate with family and friends
Put down the gadgets and spend more time with your family or friends. You can invite them for a walk or do some other activity together that you will all enjoy. This is much harder to do during the week than on the weekend.
- Organize a spa for yourself
You can visit specialists who will perform these procedures for you – massage, body wraps or something else. Or even just lie in the bathroom at home a little longer than usual, creating a suitable atmosphere for yourself – relaxing music, muted lights, candles, essential oils. Try new scents, masks or scrubs, or after a bath or just a shower, put on a pre – warmed bathrobe-there can be many options.
• take care of a healthy diet
Even if you didn't worry about it too much during the week, try to pay more attention to what's on your plate at least on weekends. In addition, some foods reduce stress levels: vegetables, legumes, nuts, seafood, and yogurt without additives. Minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Try meditation or relaxing music
Meditation can be a good tool for overcoming stress. If you've never tried this method of relaxation, you can start with a short meditation before bed.
And if meditation is definitely not your method, then try at least turning on some relaxing music and enjoying it.
In general, the weekend is a good time to try something unusual and creative. Or wear beautiful things that you bought a long time ago, but hung in the closet away, because there was no opportunity.
