Wholesome Weekend Activities for Self-Care, Recharging, & Connection
Listen, going out to the bar every once in a while, can be fun, but going every weekend can be draining, not to mention it usually inhibits your entire next day. If you’re like me, and you LOVE your sleep and wellness, but you also want to enjoy your weekends fully, this blog post is for you.
We are going to breakdown some easy, simple, practical ideas for how to spend your weekend. This is going to include ways to unwind and relax, as well as ideas for socializing and having some fun because sometimes you need one more than the other — or a little bit of both.
Let’s start with some ideas for when you need a little bit more R&R:
Plan a recovery night:
This is one of my favorite ways to kick off a weekend because it recharges you for the weekend and week ahead. A recharge night for me might look something like this:
Making an early dinner
Taking an Epsom salt bath (candlelit ofc) while reading my kindle (some light jazz playing in the background is always appreciated)
Doing a facemask
Putting on a matching PJ set (ok this is not a necessity, but I would be lying if I said it didn’t enhance the experience)
Making a cup of tea
Taking my magnesium
Cuddling up on the couch to watch a comfort show (MODERN FAMILY!!) or a movie
This is what a recovery night might look like for me, but remember that you need to listen to your body and what it is asking for. Maybe instead of a bath it’s a sauna session, or a long walk after dinner. Whatever it is for you, I encourage you to try and incorporate a recharge night into your routine at least once a month.
Take Yourself on a Morning Coffee Date:
So, you had an amazing recovery night on Friday, but now it’s Saturday morning … what are you supposed to do? This is an opportunity to savor the gift of a free morning and treat yourself to a coffee date.
This might mean walking or driving to your favorite coffee shop and bringing a book with you so you can savor your coffee while reading. Or you might want to get your coffee to go so you can go on a nice morning walk with a coffee. Both of these are amazing options and make for a 10/10 Saturday morning.
Evidence that I love a good coffee walk:
If you’re REALLY looking to amp it up, you can always come home and make some homemade banana pancakes to round out the experience (see recipe at the bottom of this post).
Taking Time to Be Out In Nature:
Ok, for those of us who live in Michigan, this is about to get increasingly harder, but I have some hacks to make it possible. Getting outside on the weekends is such an important reset for our bodies, and getting more movement and Vitamin D helps our bodies naturally reset and recover.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors in colder months, is to bring my coffee to the park in the mornings, along with my journal and a book. I park and go for a little morning walk (depending on the temperature, let’s be real I’m not walking in 15-degree weather), and then get back in my car. I pour my coffee into a REAL mug (this is a must) that I bring from home and get to feel like I’m journaling outside without the cold effects.
From a "Coffee in the Car" Session last winter:
If you struggle with the lack of sunlight in the fall/wintertime, I encourage you to try this because it truly helps.
ALRIGHT, now let’s get on to some suggestions for if you are feeling more social:
Host a Game Night:
Ok, this might sound childish, but game nights are SO FUN. They are also so easy to throw together and don’t have to add a lot of pressure for the host. The easiest way to do this is to text a few of your friends (5-10) and let them know the time. Then maybe set out some snacks, open some wine, and you have the perfect, fun social Saturday night!
If you are looking for some tried-and-true games (all under $20) that work great at a game night here are some options:
Plan a Community Walk:
Ok, this might seem a little daunting, but by community,
I mean your CLOSE community: your friends who you want to spend time with. Invite everyone to meet up at a coffee shop on a Saturday, grab some coffees, and then go for a walk together!
Maybe you walk through a shopping area where you can all window shop, or you are going to walk through the park on a new trail. Whatever it is, this is an amazing way to connect with others and do something fun during your weekend.
Paint & Pour:
This is one of my FAVORITES! You don’t have to make it complicated or expensive. Here is a little step-by-step to help you get started:
Invite 5-6 people
Buy some cheap canvas from the Dollar Store, brushes, and some paint (you can always ask everyone to pitch in $5)
Set your table with the canvases and paint, add some wine glasses and maybe some appetizers, music to set the mood, and you are good to go!
A recent paint & pour:
This is such a fun way to increase your connection with your friends while also getting some new wall art out of it: truly a win-win.
I hope this post has given you some ideas to consider for this upcoming weekend, and helps you create your weekend plans with more intentionality.
If you try any of these, be sure to snap a picture and DM TSM on Instagram so we can share in your simple moment.
Banana Pancakes Recipe (adapted from Pinterest):
