The weekend should be a two day reset button, not just a chance to run more errands or catch up on chores. For many of us in the UK, the work week leaves us feeling drained, and if we do not plan for proper downtime, Monday arrives before we have had a chance to truly switch off.
This article will show you how to build a simple, realistic weekend routine that refreshes your mind and restores your energy, without adding stress.
Problem Weekends Can Be Exhausting
A lot of people feel more tired on Monday morning than they did on Friday evening. Why? Because we treat the weekend like a second job. We try to cram in everything we missed: a deep house clean, a massive grocery shop, social obligations, and trying to ‘be productive’ with hobbies.
The key to a restorative weekend is intentionality. It is about deciding what you need from those 48 hours, not what you should do.
Expert Tip: Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a wellbeing consultant from Manchester, says: “A common mistake is thinking ‘relaxation’ means doing nothing. For many, it is about shifting focus. If your job is mentally taxing, your rest should be physically active, and vice versa. It is a change of pace, not a stop.”
Three Step Framework for a Refreshing Weekend
You do not need a military style schedule. A good routine is flexible and focused on three key areas:
1. Friday Wind Down
This is arguably the most important step. You need a clear break between your work week and your free time.
- The Power Down Hour: When you finish work, set a one hour buffer. This is not for answering emails. Take a proper shower, put on comfortable clothes (your ‘home uniform’), and actively tidy your workspace. Getting the ‘work clutter’ out of sight is crucial for mental clarity.
- The Friday Feast: Do not cook. Order a takeaway or prepare a simple meal you genuinely enjoy. It signals that the heavy lifting is over.
2. Saturday Reset
Saturday is the day for energy giving activities things that make you feel like your best self. Split the day into productive necessities and pure enjoyment.
| Time Slot | Focus Area | Example Activities (Choose One) |
| Morning (9am to 12pm) | Personal Recharge | Exercise (a proper jog or gym session), a long walk in a local park, or a deep dive into a personal project (e.g. painting, coding, reading). |
| Afternoon (12pm to 4pm) | The ‘Life Admin’ Window | Food shopping, cleaning, or batch cooking for the week. Crucially, stop after three hours. Do not let it consume the whole day. |
| Evening (4pm onwards) | Social Connection Fun | Seeing friends, hosting a low key dinner, going to the cinema, or a date night. |
3. The Sunday Slow Down
Sunday should be dedicated to preparation and genuine rest, not high energy activities. The goal is to ease your body and mind back into the week gently.
- Technology Blackout: Try to avoid checking work emails or news websites. Switch your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ until after lunch.
- The Comfort Ritual: This is your time. It might be a long soak in the bath, reading a novel with a cup of tea, or listening to your favourite music. It should be something that requires minimal effort but maximum enjoyment.
Unique Tips
To make this routine truly effective and relatable, here are a few UK specific adjustments and personal insights.
Get Outside (Even if it is Raining)
- The ‘Sunday Roast Walk’: Instead of spending all afternoon in the kitchen, schedule a proper walk before or after. Head to your local common, nature reserve, or seaside. Even an hour of fresh air makes a massive difference to your mood.
- A Personal Story: “My best routine involves finding a good National Trust spot on a Sunday morning. It feels like a proper outing, and by the time I get home, I feel reset. It sounds simple, but just that change of scenery stops me thinking about the office.” Ben, 34, London
Do Not Over Schedule Your Social Life
It is tempting to say yes to every invitation. But too many pub lunches, large family gatherings, or late nights can leave you feeling socially depleted.
- Be Selective: Prioritise quality over quantity. Pick one key social event for the weekend.
- The Low Energy Catch Up: Suggest a simple coffee in a quiet cafe or a walk instead of a loud pub.
Focus on Hobbies, Not ‘Productivity’
Hobbies are things you do for enjoyment, not a return on investment.
- Think ‘Maintenance,’ Not ‘Improvement’: Do not try to learn a complex new skill every weekend. Spend time tending your garden, knitting, playing an instrument, or reading a physical book. These acts of ‘maintenance’ are genuinely restorative.
Action Plan Your Next Steps
Starting a new routine should be simple. Do not overhaul everything at once.
- Identify Your Energy Drain: Which activity is exhausting you the most? (Is it the big clean, the late nights, or the hours on your phone?)
- Pick One ‘Stop’ Activity: Choose one thing you will deliberately not do this weekend (e.g. stop checking work emails, stop doing a full house clean, stop watching TV past 10pm).
- Choose One ‘Start’ Activity: Pick one new, low effort routine to start (e.g. a Friday Power Down Hour, a Sunday Comfort Ritual, or a Saturday Walk).
By creating these small boundaries and focusing on activities that genuinely restore you not just distract you you can ensure your two days off are a true mental and physical break. You will find you return to work feeling not only ready but genuinely refreshed.
