Is this idea an oxymoron?
Weekends can be productive, not to mention, a bit boring.
And generally speaking. that’s a good thing.
Why? How can boring be good?
Let's see...
I’ve coming a long way with scheduling my priorities. My habits are driving my purpose, Monday through Friday. This is making me a better person for others. Weekdays can be busy, productive, and at times, exhausting.
Weekends, on the other hand, present opportunities to recharge.
As I figure out how exactly to “do” weekends, I get the sense that I’m on the right track.
During the week, I'm efficient. On the weekend, it turns out, I've got hours to spare.
Based on a self-audit I conducted:
I have 10.5 unaccounted-for hours during the week.
And I have 20.5 available hours on weekends. (No work. No commute. And less time towards tasks involved with getting ready for work.)
Noting the difference here, I've been thinking about the how to integrate self-care with productivity. This will not only help make the most of all of my hours, it will also keep the productivity rhythm I'm working to establish. This way, transitioning to and from weekdays to weekends (and visa versa) doesn't have to feel like a firehose being turned on and off.
Most importantly, this will promote and maintain my quality of life.
So how can I ensure that I am still “productive” on the weekends?
Sleeping: I don’t set an alarm clock, but am still up before sunrise, allowing myself to ease into my day.
Hydrating: This doesn’t change on weekends. Each day still begins with hydration that carries through the day.
Contributing: Weekend chores take longer, but can often be done on my own time.
Sweating: Workouts are still critical to my health and wellness, and can be done for longer periods of time and when time permits.
Learning: Reading (articles and sections of books) and listening to podcasts (while doing either chores, working out, or driving somewhere) continue through the weekend.
“Dadding”: Weekends allow me to be more actively involved in my kids’ lives. Attending games and sporting events and chaperoning them with friends provide me with a way to contribute to our family. The occasional pickup basketball game, bike ride, or long drive is good for the soul.
Resting: Being able to close my eyes at some point in the day, for either a few “mindful moments” or a quick and restorative “cat nap” helps to stay relaxed and even restore my energy.
“Pet-itating”: Our family dog is always looking for other family members to pay her some attention and better yet, join her for some cuddling. It’s my duty to spoil her. Call it “puppy love”.
Reading: Visiting the public library or reading some online material (preferably outside of professional literature) is an activity I’m improving upon, but still struggle some to find and keep that rhythm. I’m exploring engaging with different genres for the weekend from those I usually read during the week, which may help.
Playing I’m reserving this spot for a hobby. The older I get, the more I notice people talking about theirs and how they can enrich our lives. I can honestly say, and hate to admit, I don’t think I have any true hobbies. This is where I feel my available weekend hours may best be used to enrich my hours and days, all week long.
Weekends are still for downshifting. While Monday through Friday often feels like a pressure cooker, the slower pace of a weekend is still productive, because it is restorative. And it keeps the focus on living a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
How are you “productive” on the weekends?
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