Do You Get the Weekend Blues?
These days, I’m hearing more and more about how people are feeling sad and lonely on the weekends.
We can expect the weekend to be a time for relaxation, fun, and recharging but feel stress or sadness when reality doesn’t match what we hoped for.
I remember when I first moved to Lisbon spending many weekends feeling a bit sad and wondering if I’d have more to look forward to one day.
Maybe you find yourself scrolling through social media, seeing friends and acquaintances enjoying their weekends, and feeling a pang of jealousy or inadequacy. You might feel a sense of dread as the weekend approaches, knowing that you'll have unstructured time and fearing the loneliness that might come with it.
This can lead to a pattern of self-criticism, where you question your social skills, your likability, or even your worth as a person.
If this sounds familiar, as I said you’re in good company. The great news is that there are ways to combat these feelings and turn your weekends into a time of enjoyment and self-care.
Here are some ideas:
1. Plan Ahead, but Stay Flexible
Having a loose plan can give you something to look forward to without the pressure of having a packed schedule. Maybe you can schedule a coffee date with a friend, plan a solo outing to a new museum, or even just set aside time for a hobby you love. The key is to have a few options in mind so that you're not left feeling lost, but also to stay flexible and open to changes.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
It's easy to fall into the trap of negative self-talk when your weekends don't go as planned. Remind yourself that it's okay to have downtime and that your worth isn't determined by how busy your schedule is. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would to a friend—kindly and understandingly.
3. Engage in Activities You Enjoy
Make a list of activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, and try to incorporate them into your weekends. This could be anything from reading a good book, taking a long walk in nature, cooking a new recipe, or engaging in a creative project. Doing things you love can help lift your spirits and make your weekends more enjoyable.
4. Reach Out to Others
Sometimes, the weekend blues can be alleviated by simply connecting with others. Reach out to friends or family members, even if it's just for a quick chat or a casual meetup. If you don't have plans, consider joining a club or group that aligns with your interests. Building connections with others can help combat feelings of loneliness and make your weekends more fulfilling. Remember that often people are PRAYING for someone like you to take the initiative to create something they can be a part of.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
It's important to set realistic expectations for your weekends. Not every weekend has to be filled with exciting adventures. Allow yourself to have quiet, restful weekends without feeling guilty or inadequate. Remember that downtime is essential for recharging and maintaining overall well-being.
6. Try Something New
Inject a little novelty into your weekends by trying something new. It could be as simple as visiting a new cafe, trying a new recipe, or exploring a part of your city you’ve never been to. New experiences can break the monotony and bring a sense of excitement and accomplishment.
7. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Mindfulness and gratitude can be powerful tools in combating the weekend blues. Take a few moments each day to practice mindfulness, focusing on the present moment without judgment. Additionally, keep a gratitude journal where you write down things you're thankful for. This can help shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life.
8. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If the weekend blues are becoming overwhelming and persistent, it might be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support and strategies to help you navigate these feelings and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Remember, the weekend blues are a common experience, but they don't have to define your weekends. By planning ahead, practicing self-compassion, engaging in enjoyable activities, reaching out to others, setting realistic expectations, trying something new, practicing mindfulness and gratitude, and seeking professional help if needed, you can turn your weekends into a time of joy and relaxation.
Your worth isn't defined by how busy your weekends are, but by the care and compassion you show yourself.
So, let’s kick those weekend blues to the curb and start making weekends something to look forward to!
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