How To Have A Truly Relaxing Weekend: Rethink Rest, Reclaim Your Time
When was the last time you felt genuinely rested by Monday morning?
Not just caught up on chores or half-watching telly in your dressing gown but truly refreshed in a way that made the week ahead feel lighter. For many, weekends have become an extension of the weekday hustle: just more to-dos in different clothing. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
A relaxing weekend isn’t about laziness; it’s about strategic recovery. The science is clear: purposeful relaxation improves mood, reduces stress, and sets the tone for better physical and mental health. So what if we stopped treating downtime like a luxury, and started treating it like the essential reset it truly is?
Productivity Over Presence
In a culture obsessed with getting things done, even weekends are weaponised. We jam them full of errands, social obligations, and last-minute life admin. When Sunday night rolls around, we’re just as depleted as we were on Friday, sometimes more.
Part of the problem is the narrative that slowing down is wasted time. That baking a cake, soaking in a bath, or building something creative is indulgent. It’s not. It’s necessary.
Take creativity, for example. Doing something hands-on, like crafting a Figured’Art book nook, engages the brain in a different way. It slows your thoughts, brings you into the present, and offers a tangible sense of achievement. These quiet hobbies aren’t background noise they’re portals into peace.
The same goes for other soothing rituals: skincare routines, baking simple desserts, or attending a slow yoga session. They recalibrate your nervous system. They teach you how to be instead of always doing. The trick isn’t squeezing more into your weekend, it’s choosing what truly nourishes you.
Even a simple walk in nature can be transformative. Studies show that spending time outdoors reduces cortisol levels and improves focus. So rather than squeezing in one last errand, try strolling through your local park or visiting a botanical garden. Let your senses reawaken.
And let’s not forget the value of creative escapism. Trying something new like painting, knitting, or even adult colouring books can provide a meditative outlet. These hobbies demand little but offer a surprising sense of accomplishment.
Rest is a Skill, and It Can Be Learned
Let’s flip the script: a relaxing weekend is not a fallback plan when you’ve nothing else on. It’s a conscious choice to protect your peace.
That choice might look like sleeping in without guilt, knowing it helps repair cognitive function and mood. Or it could be a DIY spa morning with candles, bath salts, your favourite face mask, and no rush whatsoever.
Feeling energetic? Get into the kitchen and bake something easy but satisfying. The act of measuring, mixing, and watching something rise in the oven is a form of mindfulness you can eat. Prefer a quiet afternoon? Try gentle stretching or restorative yoga to release tension from the body and mind.
Don’t underestimate the power of switching off from screens. Taking time to read a book, journal, or even lie in silence with a cup of tea can refresh you in a way that social media scrolling never will. Protecting your focus is a form of self-care.
And if you crave a bit of stimulation, consider creative downtime. Assemble a model, start a jigsaw puzzle, or immerse yourself in one of those charming book nook kits. These slower pursuits give your mind space to wander without urgency.
Journaling can be another powerful tool to bring clarity and calm. Writing about your week, your thoughts, or simply listing what you’re grateful for can ground you emotionally and help reset your mindset. Sometimes, the most relaxing weekend activity is simply checking in with yourself.
Ultimately, a relaxing weekend isn’t just about being still. It’s about choosing presence over pressure. There’s no perfect formula, just what feels good and leaves you better off than when you started.
Connection Is Restorative, Too
One overlooked truth? Rest doesn’t always mean being alone. A meaningful conversation over coffee, a stroll with someone you trust, or watching a feel-good film with loved ones can be just as recharging as solo rituals. It’s not about avoiding people, it’s about choosing the ones who refill your cup.
Laughter, connection, and shared experiences also play a major role in regulating stress and releasing feel-good hormones. Building social rituals into your weekend like cooking a meal with friends or having a screen-free dinner can restore more than just your energy. It can restore your spirit.
Protect Your Peace, Reimagine Your Weekend
We spend the week giving our energy away. The weekend is your chance to take it back. Whether it’s ten minutes of deep breathing, baking a tray of brownies, or quietly crafting, the message is the same: rest is productive.
So here’s your challenge, design your next relaxing weekend like it matters because it does. Choose joy, choose slowness, and watch how much easier everything else becomes. It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing what matters more.
