Waiting for the weekend during busy days at work is not an alien feeling. Pretty much everyone has gone through a stressful Monday or Wednesday at some point during which they weren’t only counting the hours until they could go home but also until the weekend rolls in and they can truly relax. However, when this time comes, it can sometimes seem like you have no time left for yourself.
Many people take care of the chores they cannot perform during the week during the weekend since they come in from work with absolutely no energy. And while it’s good to feel like you’ve finished all your tasks, it’s important to remember that rest is just as vital. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your free time and guarantee you’ll be ready to face the next week fresh and well-rested.
Disconnect from work
If you’re in the middle of an important project at work, it’s natural that that would take up most of your mental energy. After all, you probably want to give it your all and ensure a positive outcome. As such, it can be challenging to tune out of that mindset and focus on the present. Yet, it is vital for resting at the weekend. If your mind is occupied and constantly mulling over what you must do at the start of the new week, you won’t be able to enjoy your time to the fullest.
Disconnect from work for the duration of the weekend. Don’t check your email at all times; if you find your mind drifting away, shift your focus elsewhere. You can hang out with your friends or spend quality time with your family. Relaxing with a book will do the trick as well. You’ll notice you’ll be ready to face the new week much better.
Relaxing foods
The concept of stress-relieving foods might sound a bit far-fetched, but it’s not that unusual. Vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients you should have in your diet when you’re looking to keep anxiety in check. You can get this essential vitamin not only from supplements but from fatty fish as well. Eggs contain a complete protein, meaning they’re a perfect source of amino acids the body requires for development. They also contain tryptophan, an agent that boosts serotonin production.
Cannabis is another natural product used to alleviate anxiety. Consuming cannabis is a natural way to destress. If you can buy it legally from a dispensary, we’d recommend the famous white widows strain, for a long-term effect. However, there are other ways to take cannabis. The plant also has culinary use, and if you want to become more creative in the kitchen, you can take on the task of coming up with some exciting recipes. Cannabis seeds are rich in proteins and healthy fats, making them an excellent ingredient for healthy meals. Known by some as a superfood, you can use the seeds to make hemp milk and add them as a garnish to sweet and savory recipes.
If you’re looking for something to curb sweet cravings, look no further than dark chocolate. As a good source of magnesium, it can reduce signs of stress. Chamomile is a well-known herbal remedy with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that you can use to brew a cup of tea at the end of the day.
Sleep well
Data shows that around 40% of adults don’t get enough sleep during the weekend. From employees working too much to students going over their books and notes for their exams, a hectic, busy schedule is often the reason why people don’t get enough sleep. However, ensuring quality shuteye is vital for your overall health and well-being. It boosts your immune system, improves memory consolidation and regulates your mood.
You’ve probably heard of sleep debt, the difference between the rest you need and the one you get. If you need the standard eight hours to function properly but only get six, you have accumulated two hours of sleep debt. While it was long believed there’s no way to reverse these effects, you can recover from sleep debt with optimal rest.
Even if your sleep schedule is all over the place, you might not notice any adverse effects. You can, over time, adjust to sleep restriction, and you may very well not feel particularly sleepy. However, your body will nonetheless experience a considerable decline in cognitive and physical performance. To catch up on sleep, make sure to keep a sleep schedule that you follow. Limit screen time before sleeping and develop a nightly routine focusing on relaxing activities.
Go outside
It can be tempting to spend your whole weekend cooped up inside in front of the TV. But it’s essential to go outside and enjoy the fresh air, even if the weather isn’t perfectly sunny and warm. Although it can seem more like a chore than a pleasant, restful activity initially, you’ll become more accustomed to it when you start making it a regular habit.
You might notice it in the beginning, but spending time outdoors will have a significant impact on your overall mood. Getting enough movement is also essential. Taking a walk, ideally in a more natural environment such as a park or garden, will help you get the exercise you need. This is the best option if you’re not the type to enjoy going to the gym or if you’ve been trying to develop a consistent workout routine but are stalling. You’ve got to start somewhere.
Find time for yourself
Daily life can be very hectic nowadays, and most people have much on their plate. Finding time to do the things you love can be challenging, as you’re swamped by all the things you have to do. Take a step back and relax. Many of those things can most likely be postponed to a different time. When you take up too many responsibilities, you’re also more likely to make mistakes, as your attention has to be distributed in several other areas.
During the weekend, you must find time for your hobbies, whether you enjoy playing old records, browsing through vintage stores, writing, blogging or painting. It can be the best time to discover a new passion, such as gardening, calligraphy or baking.
Finding time for yourself at the weekend is very important, as rest is one of the fundamental aspects of being productive.
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