As we gear up for another long holiday weekend, you may be thinking of traveling, attending a rooftop event, or just relaxing on the couch. But here’s a thought: rather than logging off at 4:30 PM on Friday and not thinking about work until Tuesday rolls in, how about making this time work for you?
While most people are already in full-on weekend mode, you can use this opportunity to set some goals and plan ahead to get a high return on your time. Here’s how you can supercharge your productivity leading up to and during an extended weekend.
Do These 3 Things Before the Long Weekend Starts
The key to getting the most out of your long weekend (both work-wise and relaxation-wise) is planning ahead and staying organized. Employ the following productivity tips prior to the weekend for optimal outcomes.
1. Clear Your Workspace
If you have tasks sitting on your desk over the long weekend, chances are likely that one of two things will happen. You’ll either be tempted to work on them all weekend, or you’ll push them off and cause yourself unnecessary stress when you return to work the following week.
Declutter your physical, digital, and mental workspaces of extra tasks in the days leading up to a long weekend so that you can savor your time off and return invigorated and fully prepared for the week ahead.
2. Review and Reflect
If you’ve already completed all of your tasks ahead of signing off before the long weekend, make the most of this quiet time.
Given that numerous colleagues might be extending their time away from the office, it’s likely that you’ll face fewer meetings, emails, and Slack notifications than normal.
Use this extra time to evaluate your accomplishments and identify areas for improvement you can work on after the weekend concludes. This is also an excellent time to take stock of your short-term achievements and how they align with your long-term goals.
3. Prepare for the Week Ahead
Lastly, prepare yourself for the following week to ensure a seamless transition when you return on Tuesday morning. Compile your to-do lists and schedule tasks in so that when you leave your desk you know exactly where you’ll pick up.
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While setting things up before a long weekend is important to ensure you hit the ground running when you’re back, it’s just as vital to use some self-care techniques for unwinding and recharging during your break. The aim is to return to work feeling recharged, not burned out.
Here are the three things you should do over the long holiday weekend to start the next week feeling refreshed.
1. Reduce Stress
Use mindfulness and meditation techniques to reduce stress and enhance focus. While holiday weekends can be busy times, especially for families, take advantage of the extra hours in your days to sneak in a quick meditation session. Research shows that even just a few minutes of meditation per day can make a big difference in your mental health.
Moreover, take advantage of the additional time available to do the things that relax you most. Spend this time reading a book, going to the spa, or soaking up the sun. Investing in your health and well-being always yields a high return on your time.
2. Incorporate Exercise into Your Plans
Don’t succumb to the temptation of the couch. Instead, incorporate physical activity into your weekend. Myriad studies have found that exercise not only increases our energy and productivity, but also boosts overall happiness. In fact, the mood benefits of working out are instantaneous the mood-boosting power of exercise is even greater when you’re working out with other people.
Thus, as you plan your weekend engagements with friends and family, consider opting for invigorating activities like hiking instead of just sitting outside, swimming instead of just sunbathing, or participating in a game of volleyball rather than idly conversing on the beach. Both your body and your mind will thank you.
3. Do a Digital Detox
Amidst the tranquil work setting, take a break from your work-related devices for the weekend. Set aside the work phone and keep your laptop closed. Embrace screen-free pursuits by relishing moments with loved ones and spending time outdoors.
This practice not only provides you a respite from work-related matters but also gives your eyes a much-needed break from blue light.
The Bottom Line
To truly get the most out of this upcoming holiday weekend, get organized and plan ahead before the weekend starts —then take full advantage of your days away from the desk to recharge so you can return to work energized.
By following this guide, you can transform your long holiday weekends into opportunities for both productivity and relaxation, achieving work-life harmony. Interested in discovering new and empowering methods to amplify your productivity? Book a call with an Arootah coach to learn how.
