Now that we are into the second long weekend of our summer, I thought I would share some of the things I sometimes think about during our summer weekend obsession. It certainly should be a special time with family and friends. While I’m at it though, the unfortunate part is that it usually gets more planning consideration then our financial matters. But I digress.
Tell me, does this sound familiar on the day after our weekends – “Where did the weekend go?” Well, the truth is, we all have more time on the weekends than we think, especially our precious long weekends. So as we are now just finished the second long weekend of the summer, here are thoughts on what we can accomplish to make the most out of what time is left in our weekends:
Take it easy
This is our first priority or it should be. Yes, we’re all busy, that’s life. But rushing around trying to fill your time with every errand and activity imaginable will make you feel stressed and tired. In other words, burning the candle at both ends isn’t a good idea. Schedule some downtime for yourself, and take it seriously. Be it sitting on the dock, paddling a canoe, relaxing on a beach, swimming or reading a book – weekends are the perfect time to do it.
Plan to plan
How many people get to the weekend and then say “What are we going to do this weekend?” You may not have all week to plan for your weekend. Or you procrastinate planning and leave weekend planning for the weekend. Despite the play on words, there’s still time to make plans. If you haven’t seen your friends in a while, or maybe you missed your weekly call with your parents, give them a call and see if they’re around to catch up or arrange that next visit.
Don’t do office
No matter how we try, successful business people and entrepreneurs do some work on weekends. But they are smart and know that weekends are mostly about giving your brain a break. Try for a day, or for a couple hours, to not do the work you normally would. Most likely, you’ll return to work with a fresh set of eyes and even a rejuvenated attitude.
Put away phones
I know I am guilty of this and have been called out for it. “Put it down!” “Put it away!” “At least turn off the ringer!” I know it is hard but why not give your “smart” phone a holiday. Engage the airplane mode. While it may not be realistic for everyone to do, the key is to avoid distractions. Take it in small steps. Turn your ringer off. Put your phone in a drawer for a couple of hours. Leave it behind when your outside or out in the canoe. It’s surprisingly easy to do and eventually will become your standard.
Personal affairs
Weekends are for having fun, right? They are also a really good time to catch up on any chores. Who says downtime can’t be productive? Get the most out of your weekends by completing some of your outstanding tasks. Maybe you have been putting off fixing the fence, painting the shed, cleaning the closet, or maybe you have financial issues that need attention. Getting outstanding chores done will leave you with a sense of relief and accomplishment. But also work in that downtime we spoke of.
It’s tradition
The one thing that that has resonated with me ever since I was a child was our family traditions. I hopefully have instilled it in my kids. Its so expected that it happens without thinking and it is now transitioning into what my kids are doing in their lives. Traditions have become inter-generational. The best traditions are often those that don’t require a ton of planning. To us, having a fire at the cottage to kick off the weekend, making s’mores, and drinking morning coffee on the dock, are all cottage traditions. To others, simply having family dinner together on Sunday nights or having a movie night can be be your customs. No matter what they are, you will have shared memories and something to look forward to next time.
Engage in exercise
For those who follow our blog and social media posts, you’ll see a common theme here. It ties into our corporate brand and we live by it. Get outside! The weather may not always be on our side, but as Canadians, we’re generally prepared for any weather. You know that “shorts in winter” mentality. Go for a walk, hike, canoe, kayak, swim, walk the dog. Do anything active that engages you. A little exercise on a frequent basis is easy to do and goes a long way. Better yet, do it with family and friends. Get them to go along for some quality time.
Last night
The one constant that comes at the end of every weekend or long weekend away is that it is over. The last night blues plague us all at some point. Its hard to lock the cottage door and leave or get in the car for that long ride home. It most certainly dampers our next day mornings.
One way to deflect this feeling is by having a tradition (as mentioned above) to look forward to on the last night away before heading home. Whether it’s a special dinner, a game night with the kids, or just relaxing with wine on the deck, its a great way to stop the blues before they have time to set in.
Now let’s face it. Weekends, especially long weekends, mean different things to different people. The types of activities will vary. Everyone has a different definition. Even if your weekend plans are simply to catch up on sleep, there can still be time to have fun, destress, and recharge your batteries.
The primary motive should be to get the most out of your weekends. Whether its planning your weekend, your life, or your finances, a Financial Life Planner can definitely assist you. Contact Northern River Financial at 1.855.5NRIVER or info@NorthernRiverFinancial.ca and find out how. It’s important and one way of Keeping Life Current.
