Weekend time is incredibly valuable and it often feels like it is over far too soon. How you spend your weekend can dramatically impact your weekday success. Highly successful people recognize the importance of shifting into a relaxing and rejuvenating mindset. They also know the value of spending a little time on the weekend preparing for the week ahead. Read on to learn 5 easy ways you can use your weekend time to rejuvenate and prepare for a successful work week.
Exercise
An active body keeps the mind healthy and agile. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg notes that doing anything well requires energy and you have more energy when you’re fit. Working out on a day off gives you the flexibility to explore activities you might not have time for on a busy weekday. Richard Branson stays active with kite surfing, rock jumping, paddle boarding and boat races. A weekend game of golf or tennis can provide an opportunity to connect with friends and family. A solitary run could be great for personal reflection. Choosing to be active on the weekends sets you up for a successful, productive work week.
Decompress
Your brain and body need rest to function at their best. Using time on the weekend to decompress will improve your performance during the week. While many highly successful people participate in relaxing activities on the weekend, the activities they choose are very individualized. CEO of LinkedIn, Jeff Weiner, emphasizes the importance of “scheduling nothing.” Oprah Winfrey is one of many who swear by meditation. Others enjoy indulging in a nap or taking time to disconnect from devices. Arianna Huffington does not expect employees to answer emails on weekends or while on vacation.
While it may feel impossible to step away briefly from the pressures of work, be sure to take advantage of your weekends.
Take Care of Chores
Everyone has chores that, when left ignored, pile up. Successful people make time on the weekend for their chores. Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos do the dishes. Interestingly, studies have shown that doing mindless tasks allows your brain to wander and engage in creative thought. Don’t allow your entire weekend to be consumed with chores; set aside some time and get done what you can.
Pursue Enjoyment
Weekends provide us with time to pursue activities we truly enjoy. Mark Cuban and his wife enjoy family time on the weekends. Bill Gates plays bridge and Warren Buffet plays the ukulele. Other successful people paint, or knit. Engaging in hobbies and side projects helps you unwind and fuels creative energy. The boost to your creativity can enhance problem solving and performance at work.
Prep for the Week Ahead
While it’s important to use weekend time to truly take a break from work, successful people also set aside a small amount of time to prepare for the upcoming week. As little as 30 minutes can reduce stress and increase productivity. Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Twitter, and founder and CEO of Square, spends time on Sundays strategizing and preparing for the week ahead. Elon Musk spends 30 minutes daily addressing critical communications. Spending a few minutes to purge your inbox can improve your efficiency and reduce stress.
As you head into this long holiday weekend, consider how successful people find balance on their weekends and what you can do to achieve balance in yours. Try one or more these strategies and learn how your weekend time can improve your week ahead.
Call To Action
Do you think my tips were helpful in re-directing your focus and goals? Please share the article and shout out to me on Twitter!
You can also check out my firm LexION Capital for more tips on how to grow your wealth and become financially secure.
Elle Kaplan is the founder and CEO of LexION Capital, a fiduciary wealth management firm in New York City, serving high-net-worth individuals. She is also the chief investment officer and founder of LexION Alpha.
This article was originally published on Medium.
Follow us here and subscribe here for all the latest news on how you can keep Thriving.
Stay up to date or catch-up on all our podcasts with Arianna Huffington here.