The “Weekend Freak Out”…
That panicky feeling when we realize that we only have 48 hours to knock out everything on our “to do” list.
Shop for Groceries, Pay the bills, Go to Brad’s Little League game, Take Janet to Dance Class, Clean the House, Visit Mom & Dad, Put up Holiday Decorations, Send out Christmas Cards, Shop for Work Clothes, Go to a Work Party, Call the Landscaper, and the list goes on…
We have 52 opportunities a year to rest and regenerate for the upcoming week. Many of us spend the majority of that time packing in as many chores and activities as we possibly can.
The result?
No rest. No fun. Constantly rushing from one activity to the next.
Then… the “Weekend Freak Out” turns into that feeling that we didn’t do as much as we should have when the alarm goes off on Monday morning.
There’s a better way.
I’ll bet there are things on your “to do” list that don’t really need to be done on Saturday or Sunday. In fact, I’ll be there are things on that list that NEVER need to be done!
Take an honest look at what you’ve got planned, and cross out the things that can be eliminated. For the rest, decide which actions truly need to be done over the weekend and which can be deferred to another day over the next 3-4 weeks.
Next, plot the remaining activities on a calendar. I like using a paper desk calendar, electronic versions work great too. Then… knock out only those things on your list for that day.
When you’re relaxing with a good book and your inner critic jumps in with thoughts like, “I really should get up and send out invitations to our Christmas Party”… remind yourself that “Send Christmas Party Invitations” is on the calendar for next Tuesday.
The obvious result of packing too many things into our days is exhaustion. There is another side effect that is even more damaging to our health and relationships.
Not being present.
I see this all of the time, and I’m sure you do too…
Parents “at the park” with their kids, but they aren’t interacting with them. Instead, they are making a call… texting… lost in thought… and having no interaction at all with their children.
People driving and looking at their phones (years ago, I actually saw a woman in a car with her book tied to the steering wheel!!!)
Sitting down to dinner with the family, and not hearing a word that is being said.
The list goes on… and on… and on…
If you’ve found yourself hurried and distracted through most of the weekend, it’s time to focus on being present.
Sure, the weekends are a great time to get stuff done. They are also a great time to visit friends, connect with your kids, read a book, or have fun with a hobby.
Take some advice from Toby Keith (yes, I love country music):
Go for a walk
Say a little prayer
Take a deep breath of mountain air
Put on my glove and play some catch
Wade the shore and cast a line
Look up a long lost friend of mine
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss