1. Prioritize Rest and Self-Care

• Catch Up on Sleep (without oversleeping): Give yourself a bit more rest, but avoid throwing off your sleep routine. Consider using a sleep app like Sleep Cycle or SleepScore (works better with iPhones than Android) to track sleep patterns and optimize rest. If you have the ability to invest a bit more, try the Oura RIng, a stylish smart ring that allows you to discreetly track your sleep, activity, recovery and stress ,or and try an inexpensive sleep mask
• Get Moving: Start your Saturday with some exercise. Head out for a run or brisk walk or engage in a more social activity like a fitness class or pick up basketball. Exercise releases endorphins and boosts mood.
• Indulge in Self-Care: Treat yourself to a simple ritual, like a slow morning catching up on news with a cup of coffee or treat yourself to a mani/pedi.. Relaxing activities help signal that the weekend is a special, much-deserved break from the week’s demands.

2. Plan Your Meals for the Week

• Quick Grocery Run: Stock up on essentials to keep your weeknight dinners and lunches healthy and easy to prepare. Instacart is a helpful app for fast grocery delivery if you’re pressed for time.
• Meal Prep: Set aside an hour to prep a few meals that are easy to grab during the week. On a budget? Try Paprika. Paprika provides recipe management, shopping list generation, and meal planning capabilities without a recurring subscription fee or Cronometer .
• Snack Prep: Pre-portion snacks like fruit, nuts, or granola bars. Grabbing a pre-portioned snack to bring with you to work, will help curb mid-afternoon cravings and keep you fueled, healthy and aware from vending machines!

3. Check Off Personal Tasks

• Laundry and Tidying: Getting chores out of the way on Saturday keeps Sunday open for relaxation. Get up an hour earlier, turn on the music and do a thorough cleaning.
• Review Your Budget: A few minutes to review finances, pay bills, or adjust your budget can keep you on track. Mint is a free app that simplifies budgeting and financial planning.
• Schedule Upcoming Appointments: Get a head start on scheduling routine appointments—this could include a doctor’s visit, a dental check-up, or even car maintenance. Many doctors now make it easy to book healthcare appointments online so this doesn’t need to be done during office hours.

4. Enjoy Hobbies and Social Connections

• Dive into a Hobby: Carve out some time for hobbies like reading, painting, or photography. It’s a great way to unwind and build creativity. Sites like Skillshare offer classes to inspire new interests or deepen current ones.
• Catch Up with Friends or Family: Schedule time to connect with friends or family, whether in person or via video call. Social connections make weekends more fulfilling.
• Explore Local Spots: Use Eventbrite to discover local events, from festivals to food markets, or try a new café or park. Exploring your community is a fun way to break from routine and refresh.

5. Let Loose and Have Fun

• Catch Up with Friends: Make the time to nurture your friendships. Reach out via text or social media. Plan a casual night out, a game night, or even a virtual hangout if you’re scattered across cities. It can be easy to lose touch with friends as you dive into your new professional life… you’ll need to make a more conscious effort to stay in touch.
• Plan a Mini Adventure: Use part of your weekend to explore something new, whether it’s checking out a local concert, trying a new restaurant, visitng an escape room with friends, or hitting up a new hiking spot. Apps like Meetup can help you find unique local events and meet new people.
• Indulge in a Guilty Pleasure: Watch that show you’ve been obsessed with, order takeout from your favorite spot, or spend an afternoon at a cozy café with a great book. An afternoon ice scream or night out partying with friends may be just what you need to take a break from work related stress. A little indulgence goes a long way in recharging your energy.

6. Get Organized for the Week Ahead

• Review Your Calendar: Take a few minutes to check your calendar for upcoming deadlines, meetings, or commitments. You likely have a work calendar, but keeping rack of non-work events is also important. Tools like Google Calendar can help you organize tasks and events.
• Set Weekly Goals: Write down three goals for the upcoming week to start Monday with focus.
• Lay Out Clothes for Monday: Setting out your outfit for Monday simplifies your morning routine, giving you one less decision to make as you ease into the week. If you are commuting into the office each day, you may also want to consider determining your outfut for the week.

7.. Wind Down and Reflect

• Reflect on Wins and Lessons: Take a moment to jot down what went well during the week and any areas for improvement. Reflection helps reinforce wins and provides insights for growth.
• Enjoy a Relaxing Evening Routine: Treat yourself to a calming ritual like reading, listening to a podcast, or journaling. Apps like Calm and Headspace offer mindfulness exercises that make winding down easy and enjoyable. If you are on a budget, consider a meditation podcast or audio book from the library.

Whether you have the job of your dreams, or are simply working for the paycheck, weekends are for more than just catching up on rest. Take the opportunity to elebrate the end of each work week, get organized and do something for yourself! Make the most of the opportunity to control your own schedule and do what is best for you!