4 Green Ways to Spend Your Weekend in the Most Fulfilling Way

After a long work week, many professionals look forward to the weekend—a period when they can rest, get back some strength, and do minor household chores that are long overdue.

But what actually happens on most weekends? Many people find themselves working again during these two “off” days, exposing themselves to the same level of stress they encounter during the week. This is not helpful for both you and your job, especially if your weekdays are already a handful.

Take time out to relax and recuperate. Your overall well-being is critical to productivity and success, so if you go into the next work week stressed out by the previous one, chances are you might break down at some point.

How do you make the most of your weekend? Try these fulfilling eco-friendly practices:

• Unplug your electronics

Our phones and tablets are extremely distracting devices. As much as technology helps us perform certain tasks effectively, they also make relaxation almost impossible. For instance, an email notification from work or a text message about some obligation can ruin your power nap or night on the town.

Switch off all screen devices for at least half a day and see the difference it will make. Your body can cash in on that long overdue sleep you have been owing it. Moreover, unplugging has its sustainable benefits, saving you an average of approximately 15 kilowatt-hours of electricity and about 37 ½ pounds of CO2 emissions (for half a day), according to the Energy Information Administration.

• Go into the wild

One great way to refresh yourself is to become one with Mother Earth. Take a hike into the nearest woods or national park with a friend or loved one. It has been scientifically proven that natural environments bring the mind a sense of peace and calm.

Try bird watching or take a dip in the river. Many campers are lucky to catch some fish on their first try. The wilderness has a way of rekindling our keenness for nature. It also helps stay present and mindful of our surroundings.

• Practice meditation

Meditation is not only for monks or yogis. You can spend a few hours on the weekend practicing mindfulness and meditation. What exactly is mindfulness? It’s the focusing of one’s mind on the present, more positive aspects of their reality. It also helps to do away with negativity so that one can heal through positive thinking.

You will need a quiet place to do this and perhaps a yoga bolster, from a company like Brentwood Home, to give your back some extra support. Ensure your phones are off so you can find complete focus. Meditate on the current positive things in your life and those that you are most grateful for. Work on divesting your thoughts from the negative things you don’t need. You’ll feel generally more fulfilled and mentally healthier after 30 minutes of genuine practice.

• Do some gardening

How attractive is your backyard? Have you been ignoring those weeds that never get pulled? Is your patio in need of new flower pots? Get your green fingers ready, put pair of rubber gloves, and get working. Rake and bag scattered leaves, plant new seedlings around your home, and get the flowers watered. You don’t have to bag the grass trimmings—leave them on the ground to serve as nutrient for other plants. If your lawn is overgrown, consider mowing it. There’s a joy in planting and being a part of nature that you can take part of during your weekend.

It’s almost guaranteed that after a weekend of unplugging, hiking, meditation, and gardening, you will feel refreshed and motivated to take the new week head on!