What are your weekend plans? If they aren’t crazy adventurous, are you missing out, or is staying home on the weekend good for your health?
After a long hard work week, don’t we all just want to kick back and relax on the weekends? No work, no sports, no cleaning, no laundry, no obligations. Wouldn’t that be nice? However, the reality is - that is probably not going to happen. But, is staying home on the weekends good for your health? Let’s ask ourselves a few questions and discuss.
When to Stay Home on the Weekend
- Do you work without breaks during the week?
- Are you often overextending yourself?
- Do you lose stamina mid-week at work?
- Do you lose energy mid-day during the week?
- Do you lack “me” time?
- Do you have a hard time remembering things?
If you answered “YES” to the above questions, you might want to take your weekend and dedicate a portion to yourself. This does not mean lounging on the couch and doing nothing. Take a bike ride, get some fresh air, go for a walk with your furry friends and family, or curl up with a book. Engaging in some light exercise may be exactly what you need to help you release stress and get back on track.
Health Risks to the Workaholic
People on-the-go consistently lack sleep, are mentally and physically exhausted (sometimes without even realizing it because they are fueled by adrenaline), are hungry, feel irritable, and may feel stressed. If you are a person always on the go, it may be quite difficult to slow down, but the health risks, if you do not take some time for yourself, may include chronic fatigue, heart disease, lack of focus, dizziness, digestive issues, and sleep deprivation. Frankly, you are about to burn out at some point, if you have not already done so. Sounds like a good reason to slow down to me.
A little “me” time, sleep, and exercise, along with a nutritious diet can greatly improve your quality of life, reduce possible health risks, and enable yourself to find balance within yourself and your crazy life.
When to Get Out and Enjoy the Outdoors
- Do you feel energized after the workweek?
- Do you start planning weekend activities mid-week?
- Do you sleep well?
- Do you keep a healthy lifestyle as much as you can?
If you answered “YES” to the above, enjoy your fun-filled weekend! Just make sure to not overdo it. Keeping a healthy lifestyle with exercise and nutrient-dense foods through the weekend will help keep you strong going into your week again. Maintaining an average of eight hours of sleep per night will keep your mind and body healthy and energized! It’s always a good idea to maintain a balance between work and play, plus take time for yourself.
So, in a nutshell, yes, staying home on the weekends can be good for your health. Laying on the couch doing nothing is probably not, though. Pay attention to what your body is saying to you. Finding a balance between fun, exercise and taking time for yourself is important, especially for those that live a crazy, high paced lifestyle.
Finding that balance reduces health risks and enables you to focus on your needs, which are just as important as everyone else's needs. Even taking 20–30 minutes a day for yourself can help you achieve better health from the inside out. Remember, it is ok to breathe and enjoy life.
