Enjoy Your Weekend With These Easy Ideas and Tips

Weekends. Sweet, glorious weekends. They’re like that one friend who actually shows up on time and brings pizza. I’ve learned the hard way that if you don’t really make an effort to enjoy your weekend, those precious two days can disappear faster than my attempts at meal prepping. Seriously, I once cooked enough food for a week… that got thrown out by Wednesday. Don’t be me.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: you don’t need a packed itinerary or a ton of cash to enjoy your weekend. Sometimes it’s the little things. Like the smell of Walmart’s parking lot rosemary on June 7th, 2019—that weirdly comforting aroma still haunts me (in a good way). So, buckle up for some laid-back, easy tips to enjoy your weekend without feeling like you’re on some exhausting quest.

Why You Should Actually Enjoy Your Weekend (Not Just Survive It)

Look, I get it. Life’s busy. Weekdays feel like a marathon with a blindfold on, and by Friday, you’re half zombie, half caffeine. But here’s the truth: weekends are your secret weapon.

My neighbor Tina swears her tiny kale patch cured her Zoom fatigue—and she ain’t wrong. Seriously, plants and fresh air have some magic in them.

Taking a break helps you:

Stop feeling like a stressed-out mess
Actually smile (and not just at memes)
Be more creative (because who wants a dull brain?)
Connect with people without checking emails every two seconds

If that doesn’t convince y’all, I don’t know what will. Enjoy your weekend like it’s the last slice of pizza—without guilt, just pure joy.

Make Your Home a Chill Zone (No Fancy Decor Required)

You don’t have to turn your place into a Pinterest board to enjoy your weekend. I once tried that—bought lavender-scented candles, set up fairy lights, and then tripped over a cat. Classic.

Try this:

Light a candle or use essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, whatever floats your boat)
Play some chill tunes (I recommend anything but my 2010 playlist—that’s a horror show)
Dim the lights or bring out the good old lamps
Clear a tiny spot—yes, even that pile of junk counts

If your space feels welcoming, you’re halfway there to really enjoy your weekend. The cracked watering can from Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave (rest in peace) survived my overwatering phase, so little touches matter.

Morning Routines That Don’t Suck

Mornings on weekends? Totally different vibe from the 6:30 AM weekday hell. I learned the hard way that waking up to an alarm ruins everything. Let your body wake up naturally.

Try waking up when the sun’s creeping in—no phones, no emails, just you and maybe some regret over that extra glass of wine.

Here’s what I do:

Stretch or do a quick yoga flow (you don’t have to be a yogi, just move)
Whip up a brunch that doesn’t involve cereal
Jot down what you wanna do, but don’t make it a to-do list from hell

You gotta set the tone if you want to enjoy your weekend instead of rushing through it like a Netflix binge gone wrong.

Get Outside Before Your Couch Claims You Forever

I won’t lie—sometimes the couch wins. But even a 15-minute walk does wonders. My dog drags me out whether I like it or not.

You could:

Hit a local park or trail (I’m looking at you, Riverside Park)
Go bike riding, if you can still remember how to ride a bike
Pack a picnic. Or just a granola bar. No judgment.
Try fishing. (I did once; the fish laughed at me.)

Fun fact: Victorians believed talking to ferns prevented madness. I talk to my begonias just in case. Y’all should try talking to a tree next time you’re outside. Weird? Yes. Refreshing? Also yes.

Mini Staycation, Major Chill

Not all of us can jet off to Bali every weekend (my wallet weeps). But you can fake it til you make it.

One weekend, I booked a local Airbnb with zero plans except to pretend I was on holiday. Best idea ever.

Try this:

Visit that quirky museum downtown
Eat at a new café (avoid the one with the suspiciously slow Wi-Fi)
Go to a local event or farmer’s market (the smell of fresh basil there is next-level)
Stay somewhere comfy for a night, even if it’s just across town

Changing your scenery a bit helps you enjoy your weekend like you actually escaped life for a moment.

Invite People Over—Or Don’t

Social plans can be hella fun—or a total drag. I’ve had game nights that ended in friendly arguments about Monopoly rules (someone always cheats).

If you’re up for it:

Host a board game night
Throw a movie marathon—popcorn mandatory
Make pizza together (bonus if you can sneak in extra cheese)
Have a low-key karaoke session (I promise I won’t judge your Taylor Swift impression)

Or just binge-watch your favorite shows solo. Your call.

Try a Hobby That Doesn’t Suck

Ever tried painting? Me neither, until last month. It was a disaster, but a hilarious one.

Ideas that won’t make you quit after five minutes:

Cooking or baking (start with something that doesn’t explode)
Gardening—Gary the herb plant may or may not survive
Learning an instrument (guitar, ukulele, or that weird keyboard thing)
DIY crafts or home décor

You might find a new obsession—or at least a way to enjoy your weekend without scrolling endlessly.

Get Moving Without Feeling Like You’re in Bootcamp

Exercise on weekends isn’t about crushing yourself at the gym (unless that’s your jam). It’s about moving enough to feel good. I once tried Zumba. My moves were so bad, even the instructor looked worried.

Try:

Dancing around your living room (the dog loves this)
Hiking somewhere scenic
Bouldering or climbing, if you’re brave
Kayaking or paddleboarding (hey, I can dream)

Movement boosts your mood—and helps you enjoy your weekend without the usual guilt trip.

Self-Care Isn’t Just Bubble Baths and Face Masks

Yeah, those are great. But self-care can be anything that makes you feel a little less like a hot mess.

My favorite:

Meditate, even if it’s just sitting still for two minutes
Turn off your phone notifications and scream quietly inside
Read a novel, or a trashy magazine—no judgment here
Take a long bath (bonus points if you spill coffee on your book and try to read through the smudges—don’t ask)

You deserve to enjoy your weekend by being kind to yourself.

Time with the People Who Matter (Even If It’s Just Your Cat)

Weekends are for reconnecting. I called my grandma last weekend and ended up laughing for an hour about her “new” recipe for biscuits (spoiler: it was the same old).

Ways to connect: