How to Plan Your Weekend for Workplace Success

In the fast-paced and stressful world of sales, it can seem like the work is never done. If you're like most people, it can feel as though the work week bleeds into the weekends until you become overwhelmed and just plain burned out. But (and here's the important part), it doesn't have to be that way.

According to the experts at Fast Company, when it comes to maximizing your work week productivity, the best thing you can do is take time off during the weekends to relax, recharge and take a mental break from your job. I know, I know – it sounds easy, but in practice it can be hard to do.

Personally, I find that my weekends end up being spent doing errands, keeping up with other people's schedules and worrying about the work I need to do on Monday. It always seems as though there just isn't enough time to do all of the things I want to do, so instead, I do a bunch of stuff that I have to do.

When you think about it, if you start counting after you're done work on Friday, the weekend lasts about 60 hours. Of course, there has to be time for sleep, but even if you factor sleeping in late and taking an afternoon nap, there is still plenty of time left to actually enjoy. In order to get the most of your weekend, here are a few tips:

Make a plan – At some point during your week, make a plan for your weekend. Write down the activities you've already committed to and add in the things you'd really like to do. Resist the urge to write down “nothing” in an attempt to relax, because it's not really an option. Even if you don't want to do much of anything – you have to do something. So, unless your plan is to sit in a quiet room and stare at a wall, not planning anything means that you'll spend your weekend just looking for things to do to pass the time. By the time Monday rolls around, you won't be able to shake the feeling of boredom.

Leave some free time – Be sure to plan some free time into your weekend. If you book too many things, you'll spend your entire weekend feeling rushed and by Monday, you'll be exhausted and looking forward to going to work – if just for the breaks. It's a good idea to make a list of short, simple activities during the week and look at your list during down times on the weekend.

Try something new – You know how they say that a little change can do you good? When it comes to making the most of your spare time, it's definitely true. Once a month or so, it can be fun to make plans to do interesting things in your area. One way to do this is by looking at places you can go that are within a few hours of your home. Go sightseeing and play the tourist – even in your own town.

Get some exercise – Spending time doing something physical can help burn off anxiety and stress. What's even better is that exercise causes your body to release endorphins that boost your mood. You don't have to go to the gym or do any sort of formal exercise, but at least get out and play. Maybe you might like taking a walk or playing softball. Whatever it is, get moving and you'll have more energy and focus for the work week.

Don't spend all your time on have to's - There's nothing worse than spending your weekend chained to your computer, checking emails, returning sales calls and fitting in time for chores. All work and no play can get old quick and before you know it, you're burned out and less productive. Also, if you do your weekly chores during the week, they won't take nearly as long because you'll have less time to get them done. As much as you can, save your weekend for fun.

Plan your coming week – At some point during your weekend, you'll want to spend a little time planning your upcoming work week. Although it's probably not a good idea to leave the task until Sunday night, you can hold off on this until Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Take some time to think about the appointments or other projects you need to attend to during the week and make sure that you're mentally prepared. Remember – worry and dread aren't the same thing as preparation so, prepare but don't spend your weekend wishing Monday won't come.

Make Sunday night a fun time – I'm one of those people who starts dreading Monday on Sunday, and it's just not productive. Instead, plan something fun for Sunday night so that you have something to look forward to all weekend. You can plan a family game night, spend time with friends, cook a nice dinner or whatever makes you feel happy and relaxed. If you have a family, it can be fun to include them in the Sunday night plans as a way to touch base and reconnect before the hustle of the new week begins.

By planning your weekends more effectively, you can boost your happiness and your productivity, making you better at your job and better off the clock as well.

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