Earlier in the week we shared how the summer months tend to be a time where we overwhelm our plates with tons of activities and commitments because of the fear of missing out once cooler temps come around. Instead use seasonal adaptations to challenge your energy such that you have a more balanced approach to summer – mentally, physically and emotionally.

If you’re feeling busy and overwhelmed during the week, it is essential that you spend your weekends mindfully to recuperate for the next week ahead. No, watching Netflix for 8 hours while devouring a carton of ice cream does not count as self-care. Here are some ways to practice self care this weekend to restore your mental and physical health.

1. Treat yourself to a meal outside

Sharing a meal with friends is nice and casual. But it does not provide the rest that your brain deserves and can easily turn into a complain fest, especially after a long, taxing week. Add to that the pressures of what to wear, where to go and what works best for all can quickly become more work that you bargained for, especially for a relaxing weekend. Instead go out on a solo brunch, meditate on the past week over coffee and your favorite pastry. Even better, bring a book or newspaper and keep it screen-free.

2. Spent time in the outdoors

Sunshine and greenery are naturally uplifting and according to many studies, improve short term memory by 20%! Last week we shared how forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, as it is known in Japan, is an excellent way to reconnect with nature and our emotional well being. It is also a great way to break out of the cycle of repetition, since you will likely be exposed to different scenery and seasonal transitions. Stepping outside to go to the store across the street doesn’t count – set an intention to spend some time outside without an end goal or destination. You will be rewarded with a much more restorative experience.

3. Browse the aisles of a bookstore

Yes bookstores not audible! Bookstores are like a buffet for the mind – each book or magazine cover is designed to engage you on a topic that you love or pique your interest on a fresh new genre. A visit to the bookstore is surprisingly relaxing and offers you a chance to check in with your hobbies and interests, outside of work. Plus it is quiet and calm without minimal noice pollution – exactly what the brain needs after a busy week.

4. Tidy up your living space

Although cleaning may be the last thing on your mind during precious moments out of the office, setting some time aside to organize your living space over the weekend can help your brain reset itself from the past week and sets an intentional tone for the following week. Think of it less as a chore, and more as a self care routine. There is something very therapeutic about sweeping the floors to get rid of that mental residue.

5. Plan your meals for the weekend

Meal-prepping is not only good for your health and wallet, but it also serves as a reminder that you are in control over the things that you put into your body. It is true that a lot of stress and anxiety actually stems from a feeling of lack of control. While many things at work may, in fact, be out of your control, leveraging the quality and quantity of your meals can be empowering. At the very least, you have healthy, homemade meals to look forward to during the week. Add a little global flavor to your pallet by trying dishes, spices and ingredients from other countries and cuisines for more diversity in your diet.

6. Maintain a healthy sleep-awake balance

Sleeping in until noon or taking multiple naps to catch up on sleep over the weekend can be tempting but it actually makes it more difficult to get through the rest of the week. The most effective way to rest up this weekend is to get your 7-8 hours while maintaining your sleeping cycle – waking up and going to sleep at the same time everyday. This will ensure that you get good quality sleep and are ready for the 6am wake up calls during the following week.

If you would like more practical ways to practice self-love and self-care through out the week, check out these strategies that involve more mindset related shifts for a happier, healthier you.

How do you relax and unwind on the weekend? We would love to know what works for you.