Success doesn’t just depend on what you do; it also depends on what you avoid doing.
When it comes to weekends, successful people deliberately avoid certain habits that could hinder their productivity and mindset for the week ahead.
According to psychology, how we spend our weekends can have a significant impact on our overall well-being and effectiveness.
So what are these habits that successful people tend to avoid on their days off?
Let’s take a closer look at the 7 common weekend behaviors that highly successful people almost always avoid. Let’s dive in!
1) Sleep in
We all enjoy a good lie-in on the weekend, don’t we?
After a busy work week, it’s a luxury to ignore the alarm and stay in bed until noon.
However, the habits of successful people suggest that this may not be the best approach for weekend mornings.
They tend to stick to a consistent wake-up time, even on weekends.
This practice helps regulate the body’s internal clock, which leads to better sleep quality and increased productivity.
While catching up on sleep may sound good, disrupting your sleep schedule can cause “social jet lag.”
This phenomenon can lead to mood swings, fatigue and decreased cognitive performance, ultimately affecting your productivity and well-being.
2) Spending too much time on screens
Living in the digital age means it’s easy to get lost scrolling through social media or binge-watching series. I’ve been there myself.
But I’ve noticed a direct link between the amount of time I spend glued to a screen on the weekend and my productivity afterwards. It turns out that research backs this up.
Spending too much time in front of a screen, especially on weekends, can lead to mental fatigue, stress and even disrupt our sleep.
Successful people recognize this and make an effort to disconnect in their free time.
They understand the importance of stepping away from screens to fully recharge. It’s about finding a balance.
While I still enjoy binge-watching Netflix, I’ve learned to mix it up with activities that refresh me and energize me for the week ahead.
3) Neglecting physical activity
Sitting on the couch all weekend may seem tempting, especially after a tough week at work.
But successful people know the importance of staying active, even on their days off.
Studies show that regular exercise can boost cognitive function, improve mood and energy levels, and improve sleep quality, all of which contribute to overall success.
You don’t need to go to the gym for an intense workout.
Incorporating physical activity into your weekend routine can be as simple as taking a leisurely walk in the park or playing a friendly game of soccer with friends.
Take Richard Branson, for example. He credits his daily exercise routine with giving him an extra four hours of productivity each day.
This is a great reason to consider adding some movement to your weekend plans!
4) Overloading the weekend with work
It’s easy to fall into the trap of using your weekend as a time to catch up on work. After all, it feels like two full days to get ahead, right?
But productive people swear by the importance of taking a break.
Weekends are considered a precious time to recharge and rejuvenate.
According to research, working continuously through the weekend without taking time off can lead to burnout and decreased productivity in the long term.
Instead of working tirelessly, the most successful people often use their weekends to pursue hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or simply relax and do nothing.
This balance helps them return to work on Monday feeling rested and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.
5) Skipping meals
Weekends are often packed with activities and it’s easy to forget to eat well amidst all the excitement.
I’ve done this myself. In my rush to maximize my free time, I’ve sometimes skipped meals or opted for quick, unhealthy snacks.
But I’ve learned that neglecting nutrition on the weekends can leave me feeling exhausted and depleted.
When I started prioritizing regular, nutritious meals, I noticed a significant improvement in how I felt overall.
So no matter how busy your weekend schedule is, make sure you make time for balanced, healthy meals.
Your body will thank you and you will be better equipped to get the most out of your weekend activities.
6) Ignoring self-care
In our busy lives, it is so easy to neglect our own well-being. We tend to prioritize work and other responsibilities over our own needs.
But successful people understand that self-care is essential to maintaining peak performance.
Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and decreased productivity in the long term, according to Psych Central.
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant.
It can be as simple as enjoying some quiet time with a book, taking a leisurely walk in nature, practicing meditation, or even just disconnecting from technology for a while.
By taking time for yourself on the weekend, you are investing in your mental and physical health.
You’ll find that when you prioritize self-care, you’re better prepared to take on whatever challenges the week brings.
7) Neglecting relationships
Ultimately, success isn’t just about personal achievements or career milestones; it’s also about the relationships we have.
Successful people understand this and make sure they don’t neglect their relationships, especially on weekends.
Weekends provide a great opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, catch up with old friends or even meet new people.
These interactions not only strengthen bonds, but also provide a refreshing break from the daily grind of work.
Humans are social creatures, and meaningful relationships contribute enormously to our happiness and success, research shows.
So investing some of your weekend time in these relationships is not only nice, it’s essential. It’s an investment that can truly enrich your life in so many ways.
Fuel Your Week with Healthy Weekend Habits
Success is not just a destination; it is a journey that requires balance.
The habits we’ve talked about aren’t just about what successful people avoid on the weekends, but also about maintaining a healthy balance between work, rest, and play.
Think of your brain like a muscle: it needs rest to function at its best. Weekends are perfect for this.
Whether it’s sticking to a sleep schedule, reducing screen time, staying active, avoiding burnout, eating well, practicing self-care, or maintaining relationships, each contributes to your overall success.
Take a moment to evaluate your weekend routines. Are they supporting you on your path to success or are they holding you back?
Remember that our daily habits shape our lives, so make sure yours propel you toward the success you seek.