How To Build Wellness Into Your Weekend

Fans of the hit television show, Downton Abbey, will remember when the Dowager Countess asked incredulously “wait - what is a weekend?!” If you haven’t seen this scene, be sure to check out this short YouTube clip. We promise. It will make you smile.

It’s funny to think that there was a time when the weekend was actually a foreign concept for some. Back to reality and the present day...those of us who work or go to school during the “typical” work week, certainly do not need an explanation of what the weekend means. In fact, we have likely either used or heard phrases like Monday morning blues, Happy Friday and living for the weekend a thousand times.

For most of us, the weekend is a ‘gift’ that we look forward to getting because we have time to do the things we want to do - like pursuing our hobbies, hanging out with family members and friends and catching up on personal or household projects.

Here at Crazy Compression, our primary focus is on creating the very best compression socks and sleeves. But we also want to help our customers to fit wellness into their routine as much as possible. We think the weekend is a great time to make that happen. Here are a few things to consider if you want to up your weekend fitness game.

MAKE A PLAN

If you don’t spend time making a plan, it is very easy to fritter away that precious time from Friday evening to Sunday evening. In this article about what successful people do on the weekends, time management expert, Laura Vanderkam, states that “Failing to think through what you wish to do on the weekend may make you succumb to the ‘I’m tired’ excuse that keeps you locked in the house.” So, pick one day during your work week to outline your fitness goals for the upcoming weekend. Wednesdays might be a good day to do this, since you are close to the weekend and will likely have a better idea of your schedule. Your plan does not have to be overwhelming. You can even pick ONE fitness or wellness goal for the weekend. You will feel great when you get it done.

STAY ACCOUNTABLE

Best-selling author, Gretchen Rubin, has done extensive research on how we create habits and become successful with our goals. She posits that using outer accountability (that is, telling others about your plans) might help you to get further with your goals. Click here to read her recent blog post about this theory.

A few other things to consider:

(i) If you are an avid social media user, you can consider posting your weekend workout goals there for all your friends to see.

(ii) Set a calendar reminder that will email or text you about your plan(s).

(iii) If possible, get your exercise done early in the day when our motivation levels tend to be highest.

THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX

Really think about your idea of what a workout really means for you. If you don't enjoy spending hours in the gym - you don't have to. There are so many other ways to get your heart rate up, strengthen your body and work up a sweat. In fact, you could pick an alternative form of exercise that you enjoy and make that your weekend ‘treat.’ Here are some excellent options to consider:

(i) specialty classes like boxing, yoga, pilates, cycling or rowing

(ii) visiting your local zoo or museum and doing some power walking while appreciating the exhibits

(iii) gardening

(iv) swimming

(v) hiking

DON’T GO IT ALONE

Instead of catching up with friends at a restaurant - consider meeting up for some physical fun. Think zip lining, rock climbing or bouncing at a trampoline park. It will be a win-win opportunity because you can spend quality time with loved ones and squeeze in a workout at the same time. If you are on a budget, look online to find free or discounted activities in your community so you can get more bang for your buck.

PLAN YOUR MEALS

Since we are what we eat, it’s a good idea to use a few minutes of your weekend to make meal plans for the upcoming week. Whether you cook all your meals, eat out a lot, or do something in between, you can set yourself up for success by thinking ahead. If you need inspiration, there are countless social media groups that you can join to give and receive meal planning tips. You can also follow food bloggers to get new ideas.

PENCIL IN TIME TO RELAX

It’s a good idea to leave your weekend schedule open to some relaxation. This is a very important piece of the wellness equation. When you work hard, you need built-in rest time to prevent burnout and to recharge your batteries. Some examples of wellness activities are:

(i) meditating

(ii) using the sauna at your local gym

(iii) getting a massage or flotation therapy

(iv) practicing gratitude - you can use a gratitude journal, or sign up for a fun, self-paced e-course like #shutterhappy

REWARD YOURSELF

After you have given yourself the ‘gift of wellness,’ figure out another way to treat yourself every now and again for your hard work. It can be something very simple (like a midday nap or a mug of your favorite coffee) or more exciting like treating your feet to the comfort of our compression socks. Apart from helping with muscle recovery, compression socks provide your legs with much-needed support especially if you are on your feet all day during the workweek.

We hope that you can implement some of these suggestions into your weekend wellness routine. As always, we look forward to hearing from you! Please leave a comment below, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest.

How To Build Wellness Into Your Weekend

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