5 hacks to make your weekends feel twice as long ⏰
Disconnect to reconnect: How to reclaim your time and enjoy longer, more fulfilling weekends
For 15 years, my weekends weren’t weekends. They were just extra workdays with slightly different scenery. I’d reply to emails between brunch, check messages “just in case,” and convince myself I was relaxing, while secretly planning the coming week. I never knew how to make the weekend feel longer, but I knew I needed to.
Even now, after making big changes to my schedule, I catch myself slipping. Breaking the ‘always-on’ mindset is harder than it looks.
So, I’ve been experimenting. If I can’t fully switch off, can I at least hack my weekends to feel longer, more restful, and actually enjoyable?
For those still in the early grind (I see you, founders & builders — hello, me too — new project energy ✌️), I know time off feels like a luxury. But small changes can help you stay organised, recharge properly, and protect what little time you have.
Here are five simple ways to stretch your weekend and make every moment count. ⬇️
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How to make the weekend feel longer and actually enjoy it 👉🏻 my 5 tips
1️⃣ Disable email and social media notifications
This one is going to be the hardest one, but also the most effective. To truly make your weekends feel longer, it’s time to set some boundaries:
Turn off email & Slack notifications
Once the clock strikes on Friday, stash your work laptop or leave it at the office. Silence those email alerts and Slack pings. You can check your emails 2-3 times a day manually if the world is burning.
Pause social media
Disable social media notifications to prevent endless scrolling and distractions. Less screen time means more real-life adventures.
Emergency contact only
If you’re on call, ask your manager to text you instead of emailing. Otherwise, put your phone on Do Not Disturb and whitelist only a handful of essential contacts.
Pro tip: Let your team or colleagues know you’re unplugging for the weekend. Transparency ensures they respect your downtime and helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.
2️⃣ Embrace the slow start and midday pauses
Jumping out of bed and straight into weekend chaos (although inevitable if you have children) can make your days feel like a whirlwind. Instead, pace yourself:
Slow start Saturdays & Sundays
Wake up at your usual time instead of a lie-in and enjoy a relaxed morning. Brew a proper coffee, or take a leisurely walk. No rush, no fuss.
Midday pause zones
Carve out intentional breaks during your weekend. Whether it’s a midday nap, a peaceful lunch, or a guilt-free lazy hour, these pauses refresh your mind and prevent burnout.
Pro tip: Add something sensory to make it special — play your favourite tunes, light a scented candle, snuggle up by the window with a view, or go in the garden.
3️⃣ Seek new adventures to stretch your time
Routine can make time feel like it’s slipping away. Inject some novelty into your weekends to make them feel fuller and more memorable:
Try new activities
Explore a new park, pick up a hobby you’ve never tried before, or take your dog for a walk in a different area. These fresh experiences engage your brain and create lasting memories.
Weekend getaways
Plan short trips to break the monotony. To leverage recency bias (our brain’s way of giving more weight to the latest memories) end your trip with a special experience like a big dinner or an upgrade to first-class on your way back. This leaves a lasting impression, making the weekend feel longer in hindsight.
Pro tip: Even small changes, like visiting a new café or attending a local event, can make your weekend feel more exciting.
4️⃣ Shift chores to weekdays for guilt-free weekends
Nothing says “short weekend” like a mountain of chores waiting for you. Free up your weekend by tackling these tasks during the week:
Move chores to weekdays
Spread out your laundry, bedding changes, and cleaning tasks throughout the week. This reduces the burden on your weekends, leaving more time for relaxation and fun.
Stay organised
Create a weekday schedule that includes specific times for household chores. This not only keeps your weekends free but also helps maintain a tidy living space without the stress.
Pro tip: Hire a cleaner, and you’ll have even fewer chores to spread out.
5️⃣ Make Sunday evenings special
Ending your weekend with meaningful connections can extend the feeling of a longer weekend and set a positive tone for the week ahead:
Socialise on Sunday evening
Plan a film night or a meal with family and friends. Engaging in social activities keeps you active and creates memorable experiences that linger in your mind.
Recency bias magic
By ending your weekend with a highlight — like a great film, a delicious dinner, or a good conversation — you trigger recency bias, making the entire weekend feel more substantial and satisfying.
Pro tip: By planning your weekend with intention you can make your weekends feel longer and more fulfilling.
Whether you try just one of these hacks or all five, the goal is the same: protect your time, recharge properly, and come back stronger.
Because at the end of the day, the best founders, leaders, and builders aren’t the ones who grind the hardest — they’re the ones who know how to sustain the game.
What’s your go-to weekend hack to disconnect and reset? Hit reply, I’d love to hear it.