For the last two years, as the coronavirus pandemic hit worldwide, a majority of us have been spending our time indoors owing to the lockdowns imposed all over. Initially, the stay-at-home orders gave us the scope to try out new things, expand our skills, and spend time with loved ones in a way that we probably haven’t done before. But, with time, the daily routine became quite monotonous and boring, and soon, there was no difference between the weekdays and the weekends. This, further, took a toll on our overall well-being. Whether it’s the constant stress and fatigue, or drastic changes in the way our bodies function (owing to a majorly sedentary life at home, or varying sleeping schedules, and the like), or the constant barrage of negative news, we’ll all agree that it has been a difficult time.
However, it’s time to make a change. The weekend is a time for rest and rejuvenation, and you should do exactly that. Here are some ways you can reclaim your weekend.
Despite the fact that the framework you were used to has changed, an ideal way to recapture your weekends is by following a loose plan. Divide Saturday and Sunday into morning, afternoon, and evening. Make a list of exciting things to do throughout the week, then fill in the blanks with items from your list. Here’s how you can go about it.
High-Energy Mornings
It's not unusual to have a lazy Saturday morning. However, prior to the pandemic, you could easily follow them out the door to somewhere fun. They might now unintentionally stretch throughout the rest of the day. One way to tackle this would be to start your day on high energy. You could put on some catchy music and dance your way into a Saturday, or indulge in an impromptu dance session with the family. Not only will you get that much needed exercise, this will surely boost your mood too.
Slower mornings can be more easily managed if you set an end time. Let’s say, if you decide to spend that extra hour in bed, or just laze around, then make sure you set a time to switch to something that requires a bit more energy later. This could be trying out some aerobics routine at home, or having a game night with the family.
What if you want to have a lazy day from start to finish? That works too! Every once in a while, doing nothing can also do a lot for your well-being.
Afternoon Fiesta
Because most conventional weekend activities have been severely curtailed or eliminated, you are frequently left with empty afternoon hours. However, when everything—work, school, socialising, and personal time—happens at home, filling them with activities that set weekends apart might be difficult.
What then should be done in such cases? An overhaul in circumstances, of course. So, if you had a weekend brunch spot you used to frequent in the pre-pandemic times, you can perhaps recreate the setup and the menu at home to feel that sense of familiarity. Else, if you have a backyard, and if weather permits, you can have small picnics with the family. These activities will serve as a good bonding exercise for the family, and also give you a break from the screen.
Call It A Night
Weekends are all about special dinners and staying up late. This is amplified during a pandemic. A customary weekend treat, on the other hand, only works if it's planned well. After all, weekends are made special because you’re doing something which you otherwise wouldn’t on a, say, Wednesday or Thursday.
Apart from having a complete Saturday Night Live session at home, where each family member can either showcase their talent, or their playlist to be enjoyed by everyone, you can also try hosting themed dinners, or have a movie night, complete with the setup of a cinema hall right in your living room.
After all, what does it take to make the weekend perfect? Finishing with the knowledge that you took a breather and made good use of your time.