If you want to start the week feeling refreshed and energized, say hello to these 8 weekend activities

Dreading Monday morning? Imagine kicking off your week feeling revitalized and ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

It might be easier than you think.

The secret lies in how you spend your weekend. Instead of letting those precious days slip into a blur of chores and Netflix, why not inject some energy-boosting activities into your schedule?

These eight weekend activities could be your ticket to a rejuvenated start to the week.

Let’s dive in.

1) Embrace nature

Why not start your weekend by stepping outside and embracing the great outdoors?

As noted by the folks at Greater Good Berkeley, spending time in nature is not just enjoyable—it’s also beneficial for your mental and physical well-being. Studies have revealed that being outdoors energizes us, boosts our happiness, and offers a much-needed escape from the high pressures of our packed schedules.

And this doesn’t mean you must go on a camping trip every weekend.

Research has shown that people who spend just 2 hours a week  in green spaces (all at once or in separate visits) are “more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who don’t.”

Just 2 hours! That’s just a Sunday lunch in the park if you have no time during the week.

2) Dive into a good book

Who among us hasn’t been swept away by a riveting novel or learned something new from an enlightening non-fiction book?

Reading has a way of transporting us to different worlds, engaging our minds, and helping us relax.

For example, I personally have a tradition of spending Sunday afternoons curled up with a good book. The type of book varies – sometimes it’s an exciting thriller, other times it’s a thought-provoking piece of literary fiction or an enlightening biography.

By dedicating this time to immerse myself in a different world, I find that I’m not only entertained and enlightened but also refreshed. The mental break from my usual routine and worries allows me to start the new week with renewed energy and perspective.

So if you’re looking for a weekend activity to help you feel revitalized for the coming week, consider diving into a good book. You may be surprised at how much it can refresh and energize you.

3) Get some exercise

Exercise isn’t just about maintaining physical health; as experts note, regular exercise is associated with a host of other benefits, including an increase in energy levels, better brain health and memory, and better sleep quality.

Best of all, it also makes us happier! When you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins, also known as the ‘feel-good’ hormones.

From a brisk morning walk to a full-on workout session, there are countless ways to incorporate exercise into your weekend routine. The key is to find an activity that you genuinely enjoy.

4) Explore the arts

Whether it’s painting, music, theatre, or dance, the arts can provide an excellent avenue for relaxation and rejuvenation.

You could visit a local art gallery or museum, attend a concert or play, or even create your own masterpiece. The beauty of art is that it’s an individual experience and there’s no right or wrong way to engage with it.

Consider immersing yourself in the arts. You might just find that this creative escape is exactly what you need to refresh your mind and start the week with renewed energy and positivity.

5) Connect with loved ones

How often do we promise to catch up with friends or spend more time with family, only to let our busy lives get in the way?

This weekend, make it a priority to connect with your loved ones.

As the groundbreaking Harvard Study on Adult Development has shown, one of the keys to long-term happiness and health is strong relationships. These connections provide support, enrich our lives, and can even help us live longer.

Plan a family dinner, call an old friend, or set up a coffee date. Not only will it lift your spirits, but it will also strengthen the bonds that contribute profoundly to your overall well-being.

6) Practice mindfulness

In a world that’s always on the go, taking the time to slow down and just be can be incredibly refreshing.

Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment, can do wonders for our mental and emotional health.

I’ve found that incorporating mindfulness into my weekend routine has had a profound impact. Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, these moments of stillness have helped me to quieten my mind, tune into my feelings, and regain my inner balance.

By being mindful, we can fully appreciate the present moment, let go of past regrets and future anxieties, and start the new week feeling refreshed and grounded.

7) Nurture a hobby

Hobbies are not just pastimes.

They’re an outlet for creativity, a way to acquire new skills, and most importantly, a source of joy and relaxation. When we engage in activities we love, we naturally feel happier and more energized.

Be it gardening, cooking, painting, or playing a musical instrument, nurturing a hobby can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It’s an opportunity to focus on something you love, away from the pressures of work and daily responsibilities.

8) Prioritize rest

At the end of the day, no matter what activities you engage in, the key to starting the week feeling refreshed and energized comes down to one thing: rest.

Your body and mind need time to recharge, and there’s no better time than the weekend to prioritize this.

It’s not just about getting enough sleep, although that’s certainly important. It’s also about giving yourself permission to relax, to do nothing if that’s what you need. This could be as simple as taking a leisurely bath, enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, or lounging on the couch with your favorite movie.

It’s not laziness, it’s necessary self-care. Without adequate rest and relaxation, even the most enjoyable activities can leave you feeling drained.

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

The ultimate secret to starting the week feeling refreshed and energized boils down to one key concept: balance.

A balance between work and rest, between solitude and social connections, between physical activity and relaxation. It’s about understanding what your body and mind need to rejuvenate and giving yourself permission to prioritize that.

Maybe it’s a solitary walk in nature, a heartwarming connection with a loved one, a quiet moment with a good book, or the euphoria of physical exercise. Or perhaps it’s simply the blissful act of doing nothing at all.

Our bodies and minds are not machines; they need time to recharge and rejuvenate. So, take this weekend as an opportunity to find that balance. Listen to what your body is telling you it needs.

Here’s to starting your week feeling refreshed and energized!