The shift between working hard under pressure from Monday to Friday to weekends is a big change. The majority of working people have trouble transitioning to their weekends due to what could be called a “functional freeze.” They are too tired to relax, yet they are stressed about the week coming up, meaning that they do not really know how to reset. To solve this, one must apply some low-energy practices to one’s routine in order to help the body understand it is allowed to relax now. The following tips can be applied in order to change one’s mood in 8 different ways over the weekend.
Do Some Somatic Shaking to Unwind
Somatic shaking is an ancient practice of getting up from the chair and lightly shaking your limbs and body for three to five minutes. It replicates the natural process of animals discharging their accumulated adrenaline when faced with stressors.
Practice Creative Play without any Purpose
Get involved in some kind of artistic expression simply because you enjoy doing it. Whatever it is that inspires you- painting, knitting, baking, or even taking photos- do it and enjoy the process of doing it.
Write in your Journal without Interruptions
Find a quiet space and sit with a blank page for about 10 minutes. Write whatever comes to your mind without any judgment, trying to empty your mind by writing and thus getting relief psychologically speaking.
Socialize in a Low-Intensity Way
Make sure to spend some time with people that you know very well, such as friends, family members, or even a partner with whom you will feel relaxed and free to talk and joke around. Tension release leads to the stimulation of the production of oxytocin in your system and thus protects you from work-related stress.
Develop a 20-minute PMR session
In order to prepare yourself for sleep, try relaxing your muscles. For this purpose, you need to start with your toes and move gradually up to your face. This technique is known as progressive muscle relaxation.
Have a 20-Minute Magnesium Bath
You should also take a bath with magnesium. Fill your bathtub with water and add some Epsom salts. Then get in. Soak for 20 minutes. The warm water will help your muscles feel better. It will also help your blood flow. Magnesium is really good for calming your nerves and getting you ready for bed.
Take Micro-Doses of Sunlight
Spend 15 minutes sitting outside in the sunshine in the mornings without using any shades. This will help block the melatonin production and promote the release of serotonin in order to make you happier, more focused, and ensure your proper sleep cycle for the whole week.
Exercise Your Body Softly
While sitting at the desk all day long makes our bodies feel stiff and immobile, extreme workouts may not be the best choice during weekends either, since they only add to exhaustion. Instead, dedicate 30 minutes to soft, relaxing yoga, stretching, and even a short bicycle ride.
