Another weekend just flew by and you feel like you did… nothing.
I know that feeling all too well. Sunday night would arrive and a wave of dread would wash over me. Not just because Monday was coming but because I had wasted another 48 hours. My weekends used to be a blur of video games, binge eating, and aimless scrolling. I’d start Monday feeling more drained than I was on Friday. I was stuck in a cycle that left me feeling empty and unprepared for the week.
Losing over 110 pounds and breaking free from those habits taught me something crucial. A good weekend isn’t about scheduling every single minute or having Instagram-worthy adventures. It’s about being intentional. It’s about finding simple, restorative things that fill you up instead of draining you.
If you’re tired of losing your weekends, here are ten simple ideas that have helped me turn mine around.
1. Take a Long Walk Without a Goal
This isn't about getting your steps in or burning calories. It’s about moving your body and clearing your head. Find a park a trail or even a neighborhood you haven't explored. Leave your headphones at home for once. Just walk. Notice the sky. Listen to the sounds around you. This simple act was a huge part of my weight loss journey not because of the exercise but because it reconnected me to my body and the world outside my head.
2. Visit a Local Farmer's Market
There’s something incredibly grounding about a farmer's market. The colors the smells the chatter. You don’t even have to buy much. Just wander around. Talk to a vendor about their produce. Buy one thing that looks interesting like a strange-looking squash or a fresh loaf of bread. It’s a simple way to engage your senses and connect with your community.
3. Tackle One Small Project
I’m not talking about renovating your kitchen. I mean one small nagging thing. Fix that wobbly chair leg. Organize that one messy drawer. Clean out your car. The feeling of accomplishment you get from finishing a small task is powerful. It’s a small win that proves you can make a positive change. For me, overcoming laziness started with these tiny victories.
4. Get Lost in a Good Book
When was the last time you read a book without distractions? Find a comfortable spot a quiet corner of your home or a bench in a park and just read. Let yourself get completely absorbed in a story. It’s an escape that’s far more refreshing than scrolling through social media. It rests your eyes and engages your imagination in a way a screen never can.
5. Cook a Meal from Scratch
Cooking used to be a chore for me. Now it’s a form of therapy. It’s one of the habits that replaced binge eating. Pick a simple recipe for something you love. Put on some music and enjoy the process of chopping stirring and creating. It doesn’t have to be fancy. The act of making something nourishing for yourself with your own hands is deeply satisfying.
6. Truly Connect with One Person
We’re more connected than ever yet often feel more lonely. This weekend I challenge you to have one truly meaningful conversation. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Invite a family member over for coffee. The goal is to connect without a screen in the way. Ask real questions. And listen to the answers.
7. Have a "Digital Sunset"
You don’t need a full-blown digital detox to feel the benefits of unplugging. Just give yourself a cutoff time. For example, decide that after 8 p.m. on Saturday your phone goes on the charger in another room for the rest of the night. The first hour might feel strange. But then you’ll find other things to do. You might talk to your spouse read a book or just sit with your thoughts. It’s a small boundary that gives you back your time and attention.
8. Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
We often ignore the interesting things right in our own backyard. Spend a few hours exploring your town or city like you’ve never been there before. Visit a small local museum check out a historical landmark or walk through a neighborhood you always drive through. You’ll be surprised by what you find when you look at the familiar with fresh eyes.
9. Attend the Divine Liturgy
For me finding my way back to my Orthodox Christian faith has been the anchor in my life. Attending the Divine Liturgy on a Sunday morning sets the tone for my entire week. It’s not just an obligation. It’s a moment of profound peace. The scent of incense the sound of ancient chants and the beauty of the icons connect me to something timeless and true. It calms the noise of the world and reminds me of my purpose. If you’re searching for peace I encourage you to visit a local Orthodox church. You don’t have to understand everything. Just stand and let the beauty of the service wash over you.
10. Plan One Thing for the Week Ahead
The "Sunday Scaries" are often caused by feeling unprepared for the week. Take just 15 minutes on Sunday evening to look at your calendar. Don’t schedule every hour. Just pick one thing that will make your week better. Maybe it’s planning an easy dinner for Monday night. Maybe it’s scheduling a workout. Or maybe it’s just writing down your top three priorities. This small act of planning can turn anxiety into a feeling of control.
A fulfilling weekend isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing things that matter. It’s about choosing connection over distraction and peace over chaos. You don’t have to do all of these things. Just pick one.
So what’s one simple thing you can try this weekend to feel a little more refreshed?
