Real Talk: Tips For A Productive Weekend
The art of getting stuff done even on your days off.
Some
lucky people get to spend their weekends relaxing, maybe on a day out or having a crazy night at the club. Others, like me (teacher
anyone?) have almost more work to get through during the weekend than
they do during the week. But sometimes, making the most of the
weekend is difficult, and come Monday, you realise that you haven't
done half of what you had planned...
Over
the last months, I've become a pro of organisation, and I am
successfully managing to complete lots of work at the weekend. In
this post, you will find all my tips (practical, straight-forward,
simple) to make the most of your weekend if like me, you are drowning
in piles of work most of the time because, well, that's how your life
is. #busybee
WRITE IT DOWN
Not
only are to-do lists satisfying, but they also show the progress
you've done throughout the day. Every night, I write up a to-do list
for the next day, during the week as well as for the weekend. There
are many ways to do this: on a daily planner, on sticky notes, on
your phone - once you've found the way that works for you, it'll
become a habit that will encourage you to be more productive.
There
are lots of apps you can download to create lists, however I am a fan
of paper planners. I got this one in WH Smith, but there are plenty
of beautiful designs in Paperchase, Typo, and other stationary shops.
The
better you plan your tasks on Friday night (or Saturday morning), the
clearer you will feel about what you have to get done over these two
days. On Sunday night, you can review your progress, and see what
remains to be done on Monday. No more excuses!
SET UP A ROUTINE
Routines
and habits are what make you consistent in anything you do. Want to
have a healthier lifestyle? Start by setting an exercise and meals
routine. Want to start a blog? Start by planning post schedules,
photography, publishing.
Want
to have a productive weekend? Set yourself a routine that you will
stick to, but allow it to be somehow flexible so you don't feel stuck
in it. Always wake up at the same time every weekend, and decide what
the first thing you want to do is - I start with a nice hearty
breakfast, coffee and a scroll through Instagram. Set up what your
first task of the day is going to be. I find that mornings are my
most productive moments of the day, so I plan lessons for school in
the morning. If you are more productive in the evening, keep your
most important tasks for that time of day, and take care of smaller
chores in the morning - could be cleaning, laundry, food shopping and
so on.
If
your weekends are all over the place and you're not sure what time it
is anymore, it is likely to mean that you won't get as much done as
if you establish a routine aimed at making the most of your time.
MAKE IT FUN
In
your weekend daily routine, make sure to include enjoyable breaks,
that will give you time to refuel and break down your work. Between
two tasks, get a thirty-minute coffee break, allow yourself to scroll
down social media (you know you've been dying to for hours.) It is
all about control: know when you have to go back to work, and don't
fall in the spiral of procrastination. I always find that starting
off the day in a good mood makes me ten times more productive, so
make sure your morning routine sets you up for the day and that once
you get on to your first task, you think 'yes, I can do this.' Have
(healthy) snacks at hand, put on some motivating music (I use
different Spotify playlists depending on my mood) and find something
enjoyable in anything you do. Everything feels much easier when
you're having fun!
FIND INSPIRATION
Because
weekends are also made to recharge your batteries and relax, remember
to create for yourself an environment in which you'll feel inspired,
positive, relaxed. Weeks are stressful enough, so make weekends your
little bubble of escape. Yes, work's gotta be done, but do it in a
more relaxed atmosphere. Fit it a workout session, go for a walk, put
up a couple inspirational posters in your room/office area. For me,
motivation also comes with being inspired by other people (bloggers,
friends), by places (sitting in a cool coffee shop can do wonders for
productivity) and just by acquiring that mindset that will motivate
you to achieve things. We all have different ways of finding
inspiration, so look into what inspires you to find that energy and
drive that will help you destroy that to-do list.
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ: THE PRODUCTIVITY TIPS THAT *ACTUALLY* WORK
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ: THE PRODUCTIVITY TIPS THAT *ACTUALLY* WORK
How do you manage to be productive at the weekend?
Lots of love,
Julia x
Lots of love,
Julia x
15 commentaires
With a routine and a to do list that helps me prioritize. I am lucky that my day job doesn't need me to work the weekends, but my blog surely does.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Linda, Libra, Loca
Prioritising is also a great one! xx
DeleteMaking it fun is so important and can really help when trying to muster up some motivation to get work done haha! Very helpful post Julia, thank you :) I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Exactly, you have to enjoy everything you do somehow - it makes life so much better! Thank you Gabrielle xx
DeleteYes yes yes to writing it down! I currently have one main to-do list, and also another list with other little bits and bobs I can do in my spare time. It's so important to have the chance to visually check everything out, and it keeps a nice little order which is mega helpful.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Amy; Wandering Everywhere
Having separate to-do lists is something I do quite often to, it does help with bigger and smaller tasks depending on how your day goes! xx
DeleteI totally agree with how list-making can help with being productive. I even think it can get a bit addictive haha :D Loved this post Julia!
ReplyDeletehttp://blossomingdaydreams.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks Georgia, it can definitely get addictive - I don't see myself living without lists now haha! xx
DeleteThis was such a helpful little post to read and so relatable too - I find lists super helpful in keeping me organised and it's always useful to stick to a routine too!
ReplyDeleteHeather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
I'm glad this helped Heather - establishing a routine is one of the best thing to do for stress-free productivity! xx
DeleteAw this is so helpful, such great advice Julia! I really like the idea of getting creative with your work time, creating a relaxing environment where you can work and taking time to destress :D it's made me realise that working doesn't have to mean stressing to get things done! xx
ReplyDeleteelizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
Thanks a lot for the useful tips Julia! Really needed them :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed them! xx
DeleteLove.
ReplyDeleteHappy you like it! xx
Delete