How to relax on days off? remember what it was like to be a carefree child on a summer day? Catching lighting bugs. Riding bikes. Exploring creeks. Popping tar bubbles with your toes. Selling lemonade. Days filled with adventure and curiosity.

When is the last time you felt this free? Our schedules are crammed with commitments, chores, errands, appointments, and activities. We dream of vacations and travel.

Why do we wait for vacations to take a break? Isn’t a weekend a tiny vacation? To vacate from our regular routines. To let our minds relax. To slow down.

“There is more to life than increasing its speed.” – Gandhi

Is it hard for you do slow down and relax? Are you ready to take a break but not sure what to do with yourself? Here are some ways to get the most out of your weekends.

1. Get out of bed at the same time as during the week

You may often have great intentions to be active on the weekend that is, until you sleep in until noon. When you spend half the day under the covers, it’s hard to find time for fun and exercise.

• Make it a habit to get out of bed at the same time on weekends as during the week.
• In addition to freeing up more time for your weekend fitness forays, you’ll also regulate your body clock better.
• Once your body gets used to a regular wake and sleep schedule, you’ll fall asleep faster, feel more refreshed when you wake up, and avoid that Monday morning “hangover” feeling.

2. Go for a walk first thing in the morning

Get out the door first thing, before you become too engrossed in the Sunday newspaper and your breakfast.

• Walking first thing in the morning ensures you fit in your workout.
• Once you return, you’ll feel invigorated and be more likely to be active during the rest of the day.

3. Make nature part of your weekend routine

For many of us, the great outdoors has a way of sparking our love of life, making us feel more spiritual.

• Add a weekly family walk through the park or woods to your weekend. It will lift your heart, as well as exercise it.

4. Always commit one day to fun

Never, ever let errands and work spread to both Saturday and Sunday.

• Pick one of those days and visit a park, go hiking or spend the day playing tennis, badminton or other games you enjoy with friends and family.
• You and your companions will soon look forward to this day, devoted not to formal exercise but to fun activities you can do together.

“Invite relaxing recreation in your weekends. Take at least one day off each week. Be in the moment, go with the flow, and embrace what you love.”

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Sources:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/sallytamarkin/sundaze?utm_term=.weg15OzeX#.xaBPKVAMk
https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/4-ways-to-enjoy-a-fulfilling-weekend/