If you're heading into the weekend feeling dead from your strenuous work or school week, then listen up! It's time to shake off the stress from your M-F schedule so you can celebrate health and embrace happiness. There are so many supersimple, positive tricks you can add into your routine; here are some great ways to be good to yourself and your body — and you'll reap the benefits of a serious mood boost, too.
- Go outside. And stay outside! It's good for your eyes, prevents myopia (especially after staring at a screen all day), and will give you a healthy dose of vitamin D. Try an outdoor adventure like a hike, workout in the park, bike ride, or water sport.
- Book a class! If you pay in advance, you'll be more likely to stick to it. Or, save some money and try a free one at a local fitness store [2] or in your neighborhood [3].
- Drink more water. Find a water bottle you love and keep it full all weekend long. Doing so causes a boost in metabolism [4], and helps with weight-loss goals, improved energy, and glowing skin.
- Disconnect. Turn off your phone and computer when you can. It will help you relieve stress; we all know that stress = cortisol, a stress-induced hormone that slows the metabolism and increases fat retention [5].
- Eat right! You can also try one of these recipes to reduce anxiety [6], and get better sleep over the weekend.
- Get zzz's. Speaking of which, catch up on sleep [7] while you can! It aids in weight loss, energy levels, mood, and overall health.
- Diffuse and unwind with soothing essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus.
- Move a little more. Try a low-key LISS workout [8] to keep your body moving.
- Make some tea. A cup of green tea (or maybe a matcha latte [9] with vanilla bean!) has ample amounts of magnesium, B vitamins, and L-theanine — the anti-stress trifecta [10]!
- Get organized. Use your downtime to prep healthy meals [11] for the rest of the week, clean up clutter [12], and eliminate any stressors.
- Try a new workout. Science shows that new exercises aren't just great for your body, but that they're good for your brain, too [13]!
- Meditate often. Set aside time to meditate [14] and clear your mind from your hectic week.
- Set a new goal, and start planning it! Have you been thinking about a half marathon? Maybe a backpacking trip? Pick a date, an event, and a training plan and get started.
- Listen to happy music (like this playlist [15]) and go for a run. Music is known to reduce stress [16]!
- Stretch your way to happy. Do some happiness yoga [17]!