Have Good Weekends Instead of a Couple of Days Off

For those of the working population fortunate enough to have the traditional weekend days off after five days of work, kids, commutes, bills, and depressing TV news, you should take a different approach to the two days that bring closure to the week gone by.

I feel safe in saying a large number of the worldly population has sort of fallen into the routine of letting the weekends come and go for the most part. Yes, it’s a geared down transition from the preceding week for most and we get a chance to maybe catch a few breaths and spend a little more time with family and friends. But are we really making the most of this time?

If the mindset is “it’s a couple of days off” you’re probably not getting the best return on these two days because you investment is minimum. Here is what I propose………….

• Plan an unusual activity for say, Saturday, something you wouldn’t normally do, something different. Step away from the norm for a change. Early morning Bread & Breakfast with the significant other, take the kids on a mid day tour someplace interesting, or treat yourself to a spa pampering, or helicopter (yes) ride. Have coffee at a quaint out of the way small subtly lit coffee shop with just coffee, newspaper, and a small notebook.
• Get out of the house and away from anything work related ( leave the Blackberry /Treo devices at home). You’ll be amazed at how liberating it feels to be without them for a day. I’ve always said, if someone is managing or running a company or business that cannot survive without contacting them for one day, well it’s not being ran very well.
• Give yourself a break from the home chores. Attempt to get them done if possible during the work week for a change by using clever cleaning schedules, and downward delegation to other members of the household and pets ( yes get the pets in on it, they should at least pick up their toys) I wouldn’t look forward to time off either if in reality I still have to work.
• See a play instead of a movie (you’re going to buy the DVD anyway. And take a cab, let someone else drive you for a change. Watch a live band perform. Go to a college or high school sports activity, it’s amazing the passion people that aren’t getting millions to play put into a game or contest.

Where this is going is start enjoying your time away from work by breaking out your “routine” I’m not advocating abandoning your basic responsibilities and commitments but I am suggesting spicing up your free time with different activities. You’ll advance socially, learn something new, and approach Monday morning with a brand new attitude.