Agreed, the weekends are for relaxation and downtime. But if you have ever wondered what to do on a weekend to increase productivity, you are not alone.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of things you can do on a weekend to get ahead.
If you feel like you need to get more done during the week, but don’t know how to make the time? Or maybe you feel like you just can’t get started on Mondays, check out these 40 activities that will help you be more productive.
Weekend Warrior, here we come!
Yes, it’s the weekend, which means it’s time to relax and recharge.
But it’s also a great time to increase your productivity, and make plans for the upcoming week ahead.
In fact, the weekend is the best time to make plans for the entire week, while of course spending quality time with family.
So what can you do to increase productivity?
Here are 40 activities you can do on the weekend to boost your productivity in the upcoming week ahead.
what to do on a weekend to increase productivity 40 activities
1. Connect with nature.
There is something about nature that just makes us feel more relaxed and at ease.
So if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step outside and connect with nature.
It could be as simple as taking a walk in the park or sitting in your backyard.
Also being in nature increases self-awareness and it’s one of the habits of successful people.
2. Spend time with loved ones.
Family time is important and should not be neglected.
spending time with family is a must add to your weekend activities.
Make time for your loved ones this weekend, it will reduce stress and help you have a productive day.
3. Set some personal goals.
The weekend is a great time to set some personal goals.
Think about what you want to achieve in the next few months or even the next year and start working towards those goals.
It could be anything from losing weight to learning a new skill.
4. Do some spring cleaning.
I know, this may not sound like fun but doing some spring cleaning is actually a great way to increase productivity.
It declutters your space and allows you to focus on what’s important.
Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise.
5. Use a productivity tracker.
A productivity tracker is a great way to track your progress and ensure that you are on track to achieve your goals.
There are lots of trackers online that you can take full advantage of.
You can also use a productivity planner or journal.
HERE is my favorite one.
This 70 pages productivity planner was designed to help you stay on track and get more done in less time.
It includes goal-setting worksheets, time management tips, space to track your progress, and a lot more.
6. Try a productivity technique.
So what is a productivity technique?
It’s basically a strategy or method that you use to increase your productivity.
There are lots of different techniques out there so find one that works for you and give it a try.
Some popular techniques include the Pomodoro technique, task batching, and the Eisenhower matrix.
7. Use a productivity tool.
Just like a productivity planner, you can use other productivity tools for time management, managing your daily schedule, keeping track of important documents, and important projects, and getting ready for a work week.
Here are some popular tools you can use:
Trello, Evernote, Asana , Google Calendar , and Wunderlist.
8. Create a productivity plan.
If you want to be really organized and prepared for the work week ahead, then creating a productivity plan is a great idea.
Sit down and map out what you need to do each day in order to achieve your goals.
This will help you stay on track and avoid distractions.
9. what to do on a weekend to increase productivity: Set some limits.
One of the best ways to increase productivity is to set some limits.
For example, you can limit the amount of time you spend on social media or browsing the internet.
You can also limit the number of tasks you complete in a day.
10. Try 90-minute focus sessions
90 minutes of focused work can help you feel much more productive than if you had worked for several hours with breaks in between.
If you can, work in 90-minute intervals and then take a break.
You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done in such a short amount of time when you’re focused.
11. The most important task method (MIT)
One of the best methods to boost productivity that you can use is the most important task method (MIT).
MIT’s are a very effective way to help you stay focused and productive.
How this works is, that when you have a list of tasks to complete for the day, first decide what is the most important task for your day.
The most important task should be one that will get accomplished before anything else.
Begin by making a list of all possible MITs for the day, and then prioritize them based on how they impact your life and how much time they consume.
For example, doing laundry might take up more than an hour, but it isn’t as important as finishing work on a project that has been sitting on your desk for weeks.
Once you’ve prioritized your MITs, start with the most important ones and work your way down until all of them are completed.
RECAP
1) Make sure you’re well-rested: establish a sleep schedule because getting six hours of sleep every night can increase productivity by 50%
2) Get outside during lunchtime: Taking 10-15 minutes to walk outside during lunchtime can increase productivity by 25%
3) Read motivational or inspiring articles: Reading about positive or inspiring topics can increase motivation threefold
4) Exercise: Exercising helps improve mental clarity, mood and energy levels
12. Practice The Time Blocking Method
If you’re struggling to stay on top of your work, then the time blocking method can help.
The time blocking method is a great way to get things done. The goal of this technique is to block out specific hours of the day for certain activities.
This strategy helps set boundaries and limits; it’s proven to be a helpful tool for those who feel overwhelmed by their workloads and need a change in pace.
If you block out your hours for certain activities like working, then you will feel more encouraged and motivated to stick to your schedule than if you just started something new randomly when you felt like it.
13. Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity method that helps people stay focused on their tasks and get more done in less time.
It’s a simple, straightforward system with three 25-minute periods of work followed by short breaks of five minutes or less (called “pomodoros”).
The idea is to put your work into its own independent little task, so you can focus on the task at hand without being distracted by anything else around.
This method provides a mental space for doing what you need to do. If you have too much going on at once, then this technique can help you prioritize your day, leave distractions behind and focus on what is important to you.
You could also schedule shorter breaks as needed to give yourself a break from the intensity of the work for just five minutes or less.
14. Cooking
Yes, cooking!
It may not sound like the most productive thing to do on your weekend, but cooking can actually help you save time and money during the week.
If you cook meals in bulk and then freeze them, you’ll have quick and easy meals ready to go when you’re short on time.
This can help you avoid eating out or ordering take-out.
Apart from the time and money-saving value that meal prep and cooking add to your week, believe it or not, cooking gives you a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, and self-care.
Another benefit of cooking is that it keeps your mind sharp and active.
If you start cooking regularly, then it will help improve your memory, logic, and concentration skills.
Cooking provides cognitive benefits by stimulating the release of endorphins which can reduce anxiety and stress as well as produce feelings of euphoria in some people!
So add cooking to your list of weekend activities to increase productivity.
15. Put your mobile phone on silent mode
This one is pretty self-explanatory.
If you want to increase productivity, then put your phone on silent mode and resist the urge to check it every five minutes.
We are all guilty of getting distracted by our phones, but if you can manage to put it away for a couple of hours, then you’ll be surprised at how much more you can get done.
Notifications and phone calls can wait, and most of the time, they’re not even that important.
So put your phone on silent mode and give yourself some peace of mind.
16. Invest in a good quality planner
I love planners and I’ve always found them very helpful when it comes to being productive.
Investing in a good planner and using it is such a great idea for boosting your productivity.
A planner can help you keep track of your goals, deadlines, and appointments. It’s a great way to organize your thoughts and ideas.
Plus, it’s a lot more satisfying to check things off your list when you can physically see them in front of you.
So if you’re looking for a way to increase productivity, then invest in a good quality planner.
Here is an essential must-have productivity planner to get more done in less time.
17. Reading
Reading is a great way to increase your knowledge and understanding of the world. Not only that, but it can also help improve your focus and concentration.
If you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind, then reading is a great option. It’s a low-key activity that doesn’t require a lot of effort, but it can still be very beneficial.
So if you want to increase your productivity, then make sure to add reading to your list of weekend activities.
18. Visualize next week this week with the “2-Hour Solution”
The “two-hour solution” is a great way to increase productivity on weekends.
It involves taking two hours out of your weekend to plan and prepare for the coming week. This means setting goals, making a to-do list, and scheduling in time for things like exercise, relaxation, and fun!
Doing this will help you hit the ground running on Monday morning, and make the rest of the week much more productive.
So if you’re looking for a way to get ahead of the game, then give the two-hour solution a try!
19. Take some time for yourself
We all need some time to relax and recharge our batteries.
And while it’s important to have some downtime, it’s also important to make sure that we’re using that time wisely.
So instead of vegging out in front of the TV or scrolling through social media, ( unless this helps you relax) try doing something that will help you relax and rejuvenate.
This could be anything from reading a good book to taking a long bath, to going for a nature walk.
For example, warren buffet plays the ukelele on the weekends.
Whatever you choose, just make sure that it’s something that you enjoy and that makes you feel good!
20. Start your week with a bang!
Monday mornings can be tough, but they don’t have to be!
If you want to start your week off on the right foot, then try doing something fun and exciting on Sunday night.
You could go out for dinner with friends, or go to a concert or a movie.
Doing something that you enjoy on Sunday night will help you relax and de-stress, and make Monday morning feel like less of a chore.
So next time you’re feeling down about the start of the week, try shaking things up with a Sunday night activity!
21. Do Something creative
Doing something creative is a great option for weekend activities that will increase productivity.
Creativity can help improve your problem-solving skills, and it’s also a great way to relax and de-stress.
Doing something creative will also give you more ideas to increase workplace performance when you’re back at work on Monday.
So if you’re looking for a way to be productive and creative, then try doing something creative this weekend!
22. Focus on one thing at a time
Multitasking is not always the most effective way to get things done.
In fact, studies have shown that multitasking can actually decrease productivity by up to 40%.
So if you want to be more productive, then it’s important to focus on one thing at a time.
This doesn’t mean that you can eliminate all distractions, but it does mean that you should try to minimize them as much as possible.
So instead of trying to do a million things at once, focus on one task and see it through to the end. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive you can be!
23. Eat the frog
Eating the frog is a great way to increase productivity on weekends.
It involves doing the thing that you dread the most first so that you can get it out of the way and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
This might mean getting up early to do some chores or tackling that project that you’ve been procrastinating on.
Eating the frog may not sound like the most fun way to spend your weekend, but it will help you get things done and increase your productivity.
We all have that task that we dread so much, for me it is doing laundry, oh boy do I dread it, but once it is done I feel so much better and accomplished.
24. Complete tasks in batches
Scheduling similar tasks together and completing them in batches is a great way to be more productive.
This could mean doing all of your errands in one trip or batch cooking meals for the week.
It could mean doing important tasks all at once, or grouping together small tasks that can be easily completed.
Whatever it is, try to complete similar tasks together so that you can get them out of the way quickly and efficiently. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive you can be!
Doing things in batches will save you time and energy, and help you get more done in less time.
25. Stand more
yes, you read right. standing more can actually help you be more productive.
Standing helps to improve circulation and increase energy levels, both of which can help you be more alert and focused.
In fact, one study found that standing for just three hours a day can increase productivity by 11%.
So if you want to be more productive, try standing more often! You could stand while working, during phone calls, or even when watching TV.
Just a few minutes of standing can make a big difference in your energy levels and productivity.
26. Meditation
Believe it or not, meditation can actually help you be more productive.
Meditation has been shown to improve focus, concentration, and memory.
It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to better decision-making and increased productivity.
27. Get organized.
Take some time to declutter your workspace and your home. This will help you feel more productive and less stressed.
Did you know that having a clear space can actually help you focus better?
So clear off that desk, and you’ll be able to focus more when you sit down to work on Monday morning.
A cluttered and disorganized space can be very distracting and stressful so if you want to be more productive, then you need to take the time to organize your space.
This includes your desk, your bedroom, and any other areas that tend to get messy.
Taking the time to declutter and organize your space will help you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
It will also make it easier to find things when you need them, which can save you a lot of time in the long run.
So if you’re looking for what to do on a weekend to increase productivity, go ahead and grab some cleaning supplies and get started.
And while you’re at it, take some time to organize your thoughts for the week ahead.
Make a list of things you need to do, and put them in order of priority, with the most challenging tasks first.
This will help you stay on track and get more done during the week.
So take some time this weekend to get your life in order, and you’ll be able to be more productive during the week ahead.
28. Plan your week.
You start by spending some time on Sunday planning out your week, reflecting on what you did in the previous week and what you can do better in the new week.
This is also a good time to also take note of some productivity tips that you can implement throughout the week.
In addition, planning your week is also great for your personal life, the truth is taking a few moments to plan your week will give you clarity for the new week, you will have a plan for every minute of your day.
Super productive right?
This will help you stay on track and make the most of your time.
29. Set some goals.
Of course, we can’t talk about productivity without setting goals.
What do you want to accomplish this week?
Write down your goals and make a plan to achieve them.
30. Make a to-do list.
Ok, so you have decided what goals you want to achieve.
Next, you’ll need to write down a to-do list it is a great way to keep track of your tasks and ensure that you’re getting things done.
Write down the important tasks at the top with specific tasks you need to do to achieve your goals.
31. Exercise.
Get moving!
Exercise is a great way to increase your energy, and productivity.
Make a conscious effort to add exercise to your list of weekend activities if you want to increase productivity.
But that’s not all, it is also a great way to spend quality time with your family by exercising together.
You can take a walk, go for a run, hit the gym, or find other exercise activities that you love.
Exercising is also great for your physical health as well as your work productivity.
32. what to do on a weekend to increase productivity: Eat healthily.
I know, I know, you’ve heard this a lot of times and I may sound like a broken record right now but the truth is eating healthily is important to increase your productivity.
Eating healthy foods will give you more energy and help you focus.
Incorporate a significant amount of vegetables and healthy foods in your weekend meal plan and throughout the week and you will be amazed at the difference it makes.
You don’t have to give up all your favorite foods, but make sure you’re eating a balanced diet.
And try to avoid processed foods as much as possible.
You can also meal prep to ensure that you have healthy meals always available.
33. what to do on a weekend to increase productivity: get enough sleep.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for productivity so make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Establish a sleep schedule, try to go to bed at a reasonable hour each night, and most especially the night before the work week.
This will ensure that you start the week at peak performance and reduced stress.
34. Join a productivity group.
The weekend is for relaxation and fun weekend activities, but if you want to increase your productivity and learn some new productivity tips you should consider joining a productivity group.
Not only will this help you increase your workplace productivity, but it is also great for personal development.
Not sure where to find a productivity group? there are many online and offline groups that can help you stay motivated and achieve your goals.
35. Read a productivity book.
Looking for what to do on a weekend to increase productivity?
Reading a productivity book is a great idea.
By doing this you will Learn new productivity strategies that can be extremely helpful so why not pick up a book on the topic and start reading.
36. Listen to a productivity podcast.
I am a big fan of podcasts because they are a great way to learn new tips and tricks.
Thankfully, there are many great productivity podcasts out there, so find one that you enjoy and start listening, it will certainly get you ready for the work week or even teach you something new.
Next time you are thinking of what to do on a weekend to increase productivity, listen to a good podcast.
37. Take a break.
I know this may sound counterintuitive but taking breaks is actually a great way to increase your productivity.
It allows you to recharge and come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.
38. Make a plan for next weekend.
At the end of this weekend, take some time to plan for the next one.
This will help you hit the ground running and make the most of your time.
39. Break up your day
if you want to be more productive, then it’s important to break up your day.
This means taking breaks throughout the day to rest and rejuvenate yourself.
Get up and move around, stretch, take a short walk, or just take a few deep breaths.
All of these things will help you to refocus and come back to your tasks feeling refreshed and ready to work.
40. Make time for fun:
Don’t forget to schedule some fun activities.
This will help you maintain a healthy balance and avoid burnout
Conclusion
So there you have it! 40 weekend activities that will help you increase productivity.
Remember, weekends are a great time to relax and recharge. But they can also be a great opportunity to get things done and increase productivity.
So try out some of these activities and see how they work for you.
Which ones will you be trying? Let us know in the comments below!
