Enjoying your downtime: The best ways to do it

Mondays are not the best day of the week for some, the end of a weekend can e rather depressing. The working week can be quite full on for most but once you reach Wednesday and a new weekend is in sight, you can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel and it can certainly seem like the best tonic. Fridays are ace, and Friday nights are even better. However, how do you ensure that you make the most of the downtime a weekend can give you?

So many people want to make the most of that two day break. Ensure they fit in all their plans, but it is also essential that you schedule in time for you to unwind. If you don’t when Monday comes you can feel just as tired and worn out, and that is never a good way to start a new week. Often we reach Friday night, and wonder what it is we can do, but there are plenty of Fun things to do on a Friday night and throughout the weekend if you are open-minded. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways you can enjoy your downtime at the weekends. Enabling you to enjoy some of the best moments a weekend can offer. 

Image source – Pixabay – CC0 License 

Sit back and listen to some music

Music is so good for the soul. It can certainly be an uplifting way to help you feel motivated, a great distraction on your commute to work, but it can actually be quite the way to relax in your home, would you believe? Many people love switching on the tunes to do some cleaning, cook up some food, but actually just switching on something worth listening to and actually relaxing with it is quite an enjoyable experience. Next time you just want to sit and relax, why not try putting on some music in the background and appreciate the sounds being played. 

Enjoy making some extra money

Maybe you would rather relax, but some people love the idea of using the evenings and weekends a little more productively. This might mean looking at the option to earn a little extra through side hustles. You may want to think about online surveys, website testing or things like mystery shopping. There are so many ways that you can make an extra income from your laptop and phone, that you could even do it while enjoying a programme on TV or listening to some music. A quick look online will help you find some of the options that you could try. 

Binge watching the latest box set

When was the last time you got caught up in a box set? Netflix and digital subscription services are getting so incredibly good at showcasing amazing box sets that can have you hooked from episode one. So if you have a few hours to kill and want to get in some much needed relaxation then why not switch on a box set and check out some of the latest offerings. A thriller, a romance, something funny, there really is something for everyone these days and it can be a great way to really switch off and put some focus on something else for a while. 

Some “you” time

There isn’t always ample opportunity to really place focus on yourself. Enjoying a nice warm bath, a face mask, some pampering, when was the last time you dedicated a few hours to yourself for a bit of preening? A weekend, especially on a  Sunday, is the ideal time to do things like this. Not only can it be highly relaxing, but you also can see it as a great way to prepare and pamper yourself for the week ahead. 

Image source – Pixabay – CC0 License 

Read a book

Years ago, people would choose to get lost in a book, but thanks to the digital age, we are more inclined to scroll Facebook or watch Netflix. However, going back to something as timeless as this can be a real great way to relax. A book can still set your imagination on fire, and you can get just as easily hooked as you can on the latest series of your favourite box set. Hardback book or a digital kindle, however you prefer to read, give it a try this weekend and see how relaxed you can be. 

Listen to a podcast or audiobook

Maybe you prefer to listen to things, but instead of listening to music why not try a podcast or audiobook? You can listen to podcasts on an array of things. It might be a recap of your favourite radio show, it could be self-help tips or a podcast where your favourite celebrities are interviews. Audiobooks can be fiction or non-fiction and can often be a great alternative to reading a book. You can listen to an autobiography being read by the author, or relax and listen to something that can transport your imagination somewhere new. There are some great applications that you can use from your phone to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. 

Take an afternoon siesta

It’s proven that taking a nap is actually good for you. Many people avoid it because they can often feel just as tired or groggy afterwards, but it is a great way to recharge the batteries. Europeans are famous for the afternoon siesta and their are studies that reveal because of this they have a more relaxed approach to life and can even be healthier in their lifestyle. 

Cook up a storm

Finally, cooking can be quite therapeutic for some. Perhaps it is the preparation and chopping of the ingredients. Maybe it is the process of bringing raw ingredients and creating something tasty. But cooking is a great way to relax and people choose to create a slap up meal as part of their downtime on the weekends. While also feasting like a king. A win win situation, if you ask me. 

Let’s hope that this has inspired you with some different ways to enjoy your downtime at the weekends. 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post