It’s Friday – at last! Only a few more hours until the magic hour that’ll kick off a two-day long relaxation spree sure to fully recharge you for the week to come. Sound familiar? Probably not. Unfortunately, we rarely switch our minds off of work mode the minute we leave the office – it can sometimes take an entire day just to unwind from a hectic week. But with precious little time away from the grind, it’s important to make every moment count. Want to actually recharge this weekend? Here are some great ways to relax, plus improve your quality of life well beyond your two days off.

Exercise

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that physical activity is one way you can manage stress. Exercise will help to improve physical condition and can also improve cognitive function and mental health. Exercise and physical activity help to produce endorphins, a natural brain chemical associated with happiness, in the body. In turn, the body reduces stress and will also improve the ability to sleep, another important aspect of restoring the body after a long work week. So, take a vigorous walk, play tennis with a friend, or join in on that aerobics class that you’ve been meaning to make time for – anything that gets your blood pumping.

Sleep

This one is somewhat obvious, but it’s still not something you see suggested in a lot of relevant advice. During the workweek, your days start early and they end late – meaning you undoubtedly miss out on precious sleep. Oftentimes, our sour moods and lack of motivation are direct results of our sleep schedules. When your schedule is a little less demanding on the weekends, use that extra time to sleep in and catch up on some much-needed snoozing. Think of it as preparation and training for Monday morning. After all, there’s nothing better than strolling into the office feeling well-rested.

Eat good food

Recharge your body with comfort food – and by that, we mean nutrient-dense meals that replenish and renew your system, not extra-cheese pizza. Holistic Health Coach and Chef Donna Sonkin recommends healthy but delicious foods like kale, grass-fed beef, and quinoa pilaf, which give the body a nice hit of protein, magnesium, B vitamins, and calcium. These nutrients and minerals boost serotonin levels and help relax the nervous system (benefits you probably won’t get from your boxed mac-n-cheese).

Stay away from electronics

Being constantly connected induces stress, even if you don’t realise it (and you probably don’t). Take a mental break from it all. Put all emails and unnecessary calls on hold. If you can, stash your Android or iPhone for the entire day and enjoy activities that keep you thoroughly unplugged. Check out live music, read a book, or even have a mini dance-a-thon in your home. It's the simple, grounding activities that can bring you joy.

Give back

Doing something for others – no matter how small – is both mentally and emotionally transforming. Whether you volunteer at a local orphanage for an hour or pay someone a compliment, giving back will make your day off feel extra satisfying.

Connect with your loved ones

During the week, we often sacrifice time with friends, family, and community to make sure we meet all those work deadlines. So on your day off, add some quality time with loved ones to your life. Make a point to have a meaningful conversation or lunch with a friend. Write a letter or send a card to an elderly relative. Connecting on a deep level with someone whose company you enjoy can get you feeling happy and recharged for days to come.

Do something you enjoy

Life can get crazy. So crazy, in fact, that many of us no longer make time for hobbies, passions, and the things we enjoy. But, these activities are important for maintaining a positive outlook and a healthy work/life balance. Maybe you’d like to meet up with friends for a fun night out. Perhaps you want to relax and read a book. Or, maybe you’re eager to take your dog for a long walk. Whatever your interests are, making the time to actually pursue them is crucial. Doing this will allow you to enjoy your weekend more – rather than having it feel like just an extension of your work week. So, you’ll be able to return to the office feeling ready to conquer your Monday to-do list.