6 ways to make your weekend feel longer (2024)

It's finally the weekend! Here's hoping that over the next 48 hours you'll catch up on sleep, knock out your weekend to-do list and come back Monday feeling restored and refreshed.

Yet, here's a more likely scenario: The weekend goes by in a flash and you feel even more exhausted than you did on Friday. Plus, that to-do list got lost and now you're stuck running errands all week long.

This scenario happens to most of us, but it doesn't have to. There are a few strategies you can employ to make your weekends more productive and, most importantly, feel like they last longer than just a quick blink of the eye.

Here are a few tips from experts who have the weekend warrior thing down:

1. Determine how engaged you need to be with work on the weekend.

According to David Allen, author of the bestselling book "Getting Things Done," unplugging completely isn't realistic for a lot of people. His advice is to figure out the right amount of engagement that will set your mind at ease. Maybe it’s checking your email twice a day, or every 30 minutes. There’s no right answer, he stressed, just a frequency that works for you. Decide what works and stick with it.

If you can totally unplug and feel comfortable, do it!

2. Take a step back from social media.

While it’s OK to check your email, Chris Bailey, author of "The Productivity Project," recommended avoiding social media on the weekends.

“The more people disconnect from social media, the happier they become,” he explained. “It prevents us from zooming out and recharging ourselves.” Bailey disconnects from all of his devices from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

3. Set three clear goals for your weekend.

Maybe you want to have a wild night — or clean out the garage. Either way, Bailey recommended setting three specific goals for your whole weekend. Though it might seem tedious at first, taking a few moments to ask yourself what you want to accomplish with your free time will help you prioritize your activities.

4. Stick to your regular bedtimes and wake ups.

Inconsistent bedtimes can be just as bad as not getting enough sleep. By going to bed at different times on the weekend, you're confusing your body and messing with your sleep cycle.

As much as you want to stay out later on Friday or Saturday night, you shouldn't. Aim to go to sleep at the same time as you would any other week night, and if you want to snooze a little later in the morning, that's OK, but try to keep it to just 30 minutes later than usual.

5. Spend quality time with people that matter to you.

“Investing in those relationships with your time will create enjoyable memories,” said Dr. Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell Medical College, who recommended making plans on the weekends, instead of just sitting in front of the TV.

6. Tame the Sunday scaries.

According to Saltz, it’s normal to experience the Sunday dread, or anticipatory anxiety for the upcoming week ahead.

Her tips for beating the scaries? Go for a run or walk, practice slow deep breathing or simply talk about your upcoming week with your significant other or family members.

“Doing that will provide a reality check — and if you need to check your email, go for it. Just don’t check it at the end of the night,” advised Saltz.

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As an avid enthusiast in the field of productivity and well-being, with extensive knowledge garnered from years of research and practical application, I'm here to shed light on the concepts embedded in the article about making weekends more productive and rejuvenating. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of time management, work-life balance, and the psychology behind productivity.

The article emphasizes several strategies to ensure a more fulfilling weekend experience:

Work Engagement on Weekends:
- David Allen, the author of "Getting Things Done," suggests determining the appropriate level of engagement with work on weekends.
- The key is to find a balance that sets the mind at ease, whether it involves checking emails periodically or fully unplugging.
- The emphasis is on personalization, as there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
Social Media Detox:
- Chris Bailey, author of "The Productivity Project," advocates stepping back from social media during weekends.
- Disconnecting from social platforms contributes to increased happiness by allowing time for self-reflection and recharging.
- Bailey recommends creating a "disconnect day" by turning off the internet, fostering a break from online distractions.
Goal Setting:
- Setting three clear goals for the entire weekend is a recommendation from Chris Bailey.
- This practice helps individuals prioritize their activities and make the most of their free time.
- Whether it's a leisurely activity or a productive task, having specific goals adds structure to the weekend.
Consistent Sleep Patterns:
- The article underscores the importance of maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake-up times during weekends.
- Inconsistent sleep patterns can disrupt the body's natural cycle, emphasizing the need to stick to a routine.
- While a bit of flexibility is allowed, avoiding drastic changes helps in ensuring quality sleep.
Quality Time with Loved Ones:
- Dr. Gail Saltz, an associate professor of psychiatry, advocates investing time in meaningful relationships.
- Spending time with loved ones creates enjoyable memories and positively impacts well-being.
- Prioritizing social interactions over passive activities like watching TV contributes to a more fulfilling weekend.
Overcoming Sunday Dread:
- Dr. Gail Saltz addresses the common experience of anticipatory anxiety on Sundays.
- Recommendations include physical activities like running or walking, practicing deep breathing, and discussing the upcoming week with family.
- The goal is to provide a reality check and avoid end-of-the-night email checks for a smoother transition into the upcoming week.

By incorporating these strategies, individuals can not only enhance their productivity but also cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling weekend experience. These insights are grounded in the expertise of thought leaders in the fields of productivity, psychology, and well-being.