Happy Friday, Superheroes! As the weekend approaches, we’re as excited as you are to free ourselves of the workplace grind. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to hang out on the couch all Saturday and Sunday. Plenty of weekend activities are as productive as they are fun – here are some of our favorites.
1. Read a book.
Did you know that 42% of college graduates never read another book after college? That’s a wealth of entertainment and information you could be missing, especially since reading just an hour a day in one field can make you an expert in 7 years. Even if becoming an expert isn’t your goal, reading will help maintain brain function in old age, no matter when you start. This weekend, crack open a book instead of watching the same Bones rerun for the fifth time. Check out WhatShouldIReadNext for recommendations.
2. Take a personality test.
We all love learning about ourselves, so why not put it to good use? Taking a personality test will teach you how you work with others and other knowledge you can apply to your personal and professional life. Free personality quizzes abound on the internet – HumanMetrics and 16Personalities are good places to start.
3. Watch a movie.
But not just any movie. One of the many incredible documentaries on Netflix will educate as much as it entertains. Don’t have time for a full-length feature? Improve your cultural knowledge by checking out a Oscar-nominated short film.
4. Learn your love language.
Having trouble with your significant other lately? Convince him/her to take the Love Language quiz with you. This bestselling phenomenon by Dr. Gary Chapman argues that we express and receive love in one of five different ways. Conflicts occur within our relationships because our partner speaks a different Love Language than we do. Whether you’re on the brink of separating or madly in love, learning your Love Languages will give you a deeper understanding of one another. It works for non-romantic relationships, too.
5. Get a good night’s sleep.
It’s tempting to rage all Friday night, then sleep in until 2PM. But an inconsistent sleep schedule on the weekend makes it that much harder to wake up on Monday morning, and trying to catch up on sleep you missed during the work week just doesn’t work that well. While an extra hour of sleep won’t do too much harm, try not to stray too far from your regular schedule. Get as many hours as you need – not more, not less.
6. Do something you loved as a kid.
Do you feel lost in your career? Are you looking for a new direction? Many psychologists suggest that our favorite activities as children inform our passion as adults. This weekend, think back to what you used to love and relive your childhood. Note what it is about this activity you loved so much. Even if you’re not prepping for a career change, you might learn how to incorporate a little more fun into your life.
7. Call an old friend.
As we grow up and move around the country and the world, we often lose touch with the people who used to matter so much to us. Not all of these relationships are worth preserving, but there are probably one or two that you truly miss. This weekend, get in touch with these people, whether in person or via Skype. Perhaps you’ll spend an hour reminiscing then realize you’ve both moved on – or perhaps you’ll rekindle a friendship that will remain with you throughout your life.
8. Do the unusual thing.
This weekend, make a choice that’s different than the one you’d normally make. Are you a homebody? Say yes to the party at your friend’s house. Do you rarely stand up for yourself? Politely tell the woman in the grocery store that she just cut the line. You might meet the love of your life at the party, or find that the woman apologizes and returns to the line’s end instead of yelling at you. If there’s something you want to change about yourself, make a choice towards that. It’s only a first step, but remember: great change is simply the sum of the choices you make each day.
9. Cook.
Do you normally live off takeout Chinese? Instead of spending money on a restaurant meal this weekend, try some home cooked food. Whether it’s french toast or roast chicken, there are several websites devoted to cooking for beginners. If you’re already a decent cook, consider challenging yourself with a new recipe. Try baking instead of cooking, or a new cuisine – like homemade soup dumplings.
10. Journal.
Journal? You might scoff. I’m not a 14-year-old girl.
Be that as it may, some of the most successful people in history kept journals: Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde and more. Why? Journal writing relieves stress, encourages meditation on your life, and helps you make sense of what is happening to you by forcing you to write it down. If you write about what you’re thankful for, it can make you happier. It’s also empowering – reminding you that you and only you are the author of your own life. If you’ve had a stressful week, consider writing a journal entry this weekend. The results may surprise you.
What are your favorite fun and productive weekend activities? Will you try one on this list? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook, or Tweet us @SuperheroYou!
Photo Credit: mayrpamintuan via Compfight cc
Written by Sasha Graffagna