How to Use Weekends for Joy—Not Just Errands and Guilt

It’s 10 a.m. on a Saturday. You’ve got a hot coffee in your hand, the weather is perfect, and then—bam—your to-do list hits you like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, instead of relaxation, your weekend is about catching up on laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, and tackling all the things you didn’t get to during the week.

Sound familiar? It’s easy to fall into the trap of turning weekends into a marathon of errands and tasks. But the truth is, weekends are meant for joy. They’re meant to replenish you, not drain you.

Here’s how you can reclaim your weekend, focus on activities that make you happy, and ditch the guilt that comes with not being productive.

Step 1: Rethink Your Relationship with “Productivity”

We’ve been taught to view weekends as a time to catch up on everything we didn’t get to during the week. But the idea of constantly being productive can easily lead to burnout.

Start by reframing productivity. Instead of only thinking about it in terms of tasks and efficiency, recognize that true productivity includes rest, relaxation, and joy. Doing something that brings you joy or recharges you is as valuable as checking off items on your to-do list.

Step 2: Set Boundaries with Your To-Do List

It’s okay to have a to-do list, but setting boundaries is key to ensuring you’re not filling every minute of your weekend with chores. Here’s how:

• Prioritize essential tasks: Only focus on the errands that really need to get done.
• Limit work-related tasks: Aim to complete work-related items earlier in the day so you can enjoy the rest of your time.
• Set a time limit: Allocate a specific block of time for errands and stick to it—once it’s over, you’re done. This helps you avoid the feeling of endless tasks.

Setting these boundaries makes room for relaxation, self-care, and fun. Remember: It’s about balance.

Step 3: Schedule Joyful Activities

A key part of a joyful weekend is intentionality. Plan activities that bring you joy and make you feel recharged. Don’t just leave it to chance.

Here are some ideas:

• Explore nature: Take a hike, walk in the park, or sit by the lake. Nature is a natural stress-reliever.
• Indulge in a hobby: Whether it’s painting, knitting, photography, or reading, make time for something you love doing just for the fun of it.
• Plan an outing: Whether it’s a museum visit, a picnic, or a trip to a new restaurant, make the weekend feel special by stepping out of the ordinary.

Scheduling time for activities that bring you joy ensures that you actively make space for fun, not just productivity.

Step 4: Give Yourself Permission to Do Nothing

It’s okay to spend part of your weekend doing nothing. In fact, it’s necessary for recharging your batteries. Yet, many people struggle with the idea of being “lazy” or not accomplishing something.

Here’s the truth: doing nothing is restorative. Whether it’s lounging in bed, taking a nap, or binge-watching your favorite show, embrace it guilt-free. You need that time to just be.

To make this a regular part of your weekend:

• Schedule downtime: Just as you schedule other activities, mark off time to do absolutely nothing.
• Let go of the “I should be doing something” mindset: Trust that this time is as valuable as any task on your list. Your brain needs these breaks to function at its best.

Step 5: Say No to Weekend “Shoulds”

How often do we say “yes” to things we don’t really want to do just because we feel obligated? “Should” is a word that can quickly turn your weekend into a list of chores. Let go of the idea that you must do something because it’s expected.

Try:

• Saying no to events you’re not excited about: If you don’t want to attend a social gathering, don’t force it.
• Ditching unnecessary chores: If it can wait until next week, let it go.
• Setting realistic expectations with others: Politely decline requests for your time that will leave you feeling drained.

By reducing the pressure of “shoulds,” you open the door to more enjoyable, relaxed weekends.

Step 6: Reconnect with Yourself

Weekends aren’t just about avoiding work—they’re also about reconnecting with yourself and recharging your inner battery. One way to do this is by practicing mindfulness or reflection.

Try these practices:

• Meditate or practice mindfulness: Even just 5-10 minutes can help you feel grounded.
• Write in a journal: Reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and goals for the upcoming week.
• Check in with your body: Do you need rest, exercise, or a relaxing bath? Listen to what your body is telling you.

These small acts of self-connection can leave you feeling more energized and aligned for the week ahead.

Step 7: Let Go of the Guilt

The hardest part of enjoying your weekend is the guilt that often follows. Many of us feel like we “should” be productive every moment of the weekend, which can lead to constant stress.

Here’s the deal: guilt-free weekends are necessary for long-term productivity. Taking time to enjoy yourself, recharge, and relax means you’ll have more energy and focus for the week ahead. Don’t let guilt rob you of the joy you deserve.

Next time you feel the guilt creeping in:

• Remind yourself that rest is essential: Your productivity is directly tied to how well you take care of yourself.
• Reframe your weekend mindset: Instead of feeling guilty for “doing nothing,” focus on the value of recharging.