Amazing weekends just don’t happen. Here’s how to plan them and get the most out of your free time

The weekend is a time for rest and relaxation, but it can be easy to waste it away on chores or being the household’s taxi driver. If you are a freelancer you could be fitting in work, too. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your weekend without wasting a single minute.

If you’ve ever come round the Sunday evening and thought to yourself, where the heck did the weekend go? Why didn’t I do what I really wanted to do? Then it’s time you started planning your weekends with the time and effort they deserve.

By following these tips, you should find it easier to use your free time wisely by doing the things that are meaningful to you.

Plan ahead. Plan your free time just as you would plan your work time. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid wasting it. The first step to having a productive weekend is to plan ahead. Decide what you want to do and when you want to do it. This will help you avoid wasting time by aimlessly wandering around.

Set some goals. Be intentional. What do you hope to achieve by the end of the weekend? Set goals in your diary before Friday evening comes around. Do you want to catch up on your reading? Do you want to go for a hike? Do you want to spend time with friends and family? Redecorate a room? Having specific goals will help you stay focused and motivated.

Try to get household chores and errands done during the week. What’s the point of the weekend if you are diverting your free time towards housework or the dreaded weeding in the garden? When the weather is decent try to get chores done early in the mornings during the week or in the evenings after you’ve had a bit of downtime after work. Little and often during the week could mean a weekend free of chores.

Be realistic. Don’t try to do too much in one weekend. If you’re too ambitious, you’re more likely to get overwhelmed and give up. Prioritise the one thing that would make you happiest, then prioritise in descending order from there.

Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to be flexible. If it rains, you might have to change your plans for an outdoor activity. Plan that activity ahead. If your friend cancels, for example, you might have to find something else to do.

Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the weekend, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.

Don’t be afraid to say no. It’s okay to say no to invitations if you’re feeling overwhelmed or if you just don’t have the time.

Don’t forget to relax. The weekend is a time to relax and recharge, so make sure to schedule some time for yourself to do nothing at all. By setting specific times for your free activities it will help you avoid feeling guilty about taking time for yourself. Let the rest of the family know you will be not available for an hour or so.

Plan meals ahead. Please your weekend meals during the week so you are not wasting time in the supermarket with all the other people who didn’t plan ahead. Pre-prepare them if you can so it’s just a quick effort like putting a casserole or lasagne in the oven or some marinated chicken or vegetable dish in the BBQ or slow cooker.

Here are some other ways you can make the most of your weekend:

• Get out of town. If you can, take a weekend getaway to a new place. This is a great way to relax and recharge, and it’s also a great way to explore a new city or town. It also physically takes you away from chores at home! Out o sight out of mind.
• Spend time with loved ones. Make sure to spend time with the people you love on the weekend. This could mean going out to dinner, going for a hike, or just staying in and watching a movie.
• Do something creative. If you’re feeling inspired, do something creative on the weekend. This could mean painting, writing, or playing music. Set a time and place to do this during the week.
• Learn something new. Take a class, read a book, or watch a documentary. This is a great way to expand your mind and learn new things.
• Volunteer your time. Give back to your community by volunteering your time on the weekend if you think it will give your spirits a nice lift. You could make it a family outing if appropriate. This is a great way to meet new people and make a difference in the world.
• Host a Sunday get-together. Keep it relaxed; everyone is welcome to bring a dish and a bottle. Host a brunch or lunch. A Sunday get-together keeps everyone focused on the fact that you still have hours to enjoy before the work week starts and it helps avoid the Sunday blues.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your weekend instead of wasting it. Relax, have fun, and enjoy your time off.