Busy professionals accustomed to being “in work mode” all the time may find it difficult to fully relax and unwind on the weekends. Nonetheless, most successful people know how powerful unplugging from work is to preserve energy, revive, and prevent burnout.

If you constantly find yourself on the verge of burning out every end of the workweek, decompressing through weekend activities may help you recharge your batteries.

Unsure how to? Here are five activities to help you make the most of your weekend and return to the grindstone refreshed and motivated.

 

1. Get moving.

 

Whether you decide to run, swim or cycle, there is no wrong choice. Nothing compares to stepping outside after a week of sitting in front of your work desk indoors.

Although this may sound easier than done especially if you’ve had a tiring week, staying active actually helps your body heal and recharge faster. Moving around can also bump up the levels of your happy hormones serotonin, dopamine and endorphin. These brain chemicals can help you feel happier, relaxed and rested.

 

2. Practice gratitude.

 

Gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to start the weekend with a happy heart. Practising gratitude helps us overcome negative feelings like anger, regret, jealousy, and frustration that may have accumulated throughout the workweek.

It’s easy to get frustrated at work, especially when things are not going your way or if you have a toxic work environment, not to mention the agonising pressure to reach your goal.

But with gratitude, you don’t only look forward to the destination. You also enjoy the journey and process of getting to where you want to be. In fact, a 2019 study found that gratitude may help increase life satisfaction, a key component of people’s wellness and functioning.

In addition, a 2020 study also demonstrated gratitude letters–writing intervention as a promising tool for managing emotional exhaustion and improving work-life balance in 1575 participants. It’s generally a low-cost and effective way to avoid burnout and improve your well-being.

 

3. Take a short trip.

 

It is beneficial to engage in activities that stimulate the body, mind, and emotions to combat feelings of burnout. One way to do that is to travel or visit a new place.

A quick trip to a different part of the world stimulates more than just your sense of sight. It can also awaken your sense of smell, touch, taste and hearing. Smell the ocean breeze, eat at a new restaurant or walk barefoot on the beach.

Our bodies are built to interact with the environment, and we need stimulation in order to thrive. Evidence shows that sensory and mental stimulation can improve cognitive function, communication and feelings of happiness.

 

4. Get creative.

 

Expressing ourselves creatively can be unique to us. Of course, we all have personal preferences, but here are some fun ideas if you don’t have one yet or want to get into a new outlet to get creative. Enrol yourself on a painting class, join a dance club, make music, or write a short story.

It does not have to be related to your job. Step blissfully outside of your comfort zone.

Research suggests creativity can significantly improve subjective well-being in young and working adults. Another study also revealed that creativity could help people lead happier and more meaningful lives.

 

5. Catch up with your besties.

 

Eliminating deadlines looming over your head can be challenging. After a hectic work week, it can be easy to isolate yourself on Saturday and Sunday and become a recluse.

But remember, you have a life outside your job, and some relationships are worth investing your time in. Go for a coffee date with a friend or try a new restaurant together. By doing so, you can also get some emotional support if you are already dealing with symptoms of burnout. Make sure they are emotionally available before venting.

 

 

When chasing our dreams, it can be tempting to completely disengage from the world and even ourselves to become fully invested in our careers. The result? Burnout.

Make your rest days worthwhile, and try these activities to come back stronger at work on a Monday morning.

Eating healthy to regain strength and energy is also a key element to beating occupational stress. Contact us today and enjoy our premium, ready-made meals any day of the week.