How to make weekends feel twice as long ⏰
5 ways to reclaim your time and enjoy longer, more fulfilling weekends
For 15 years, my weekends felt like 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. I might not fully switch off yet, so I’m testing ways to make weekends feel longer and genuinely restful.
If you’re in the early grind, time off can feel like a luxury, I get it. 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. 👇🏻
How to make the weekend feel longer
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
When Friday ends, 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 so you don’t fall into scrolling. Less screen time gives you more of your day back.
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 and take the morning slowly. Make a proper coffee or go for a walk, it can do wonders for your mood.
Midday pause zones
Put a real break in the middle of the day. A short nap or a slow lunch can reset your head. You should also try a nappuccino, or a coffee nap.
Pro tip: Add one small cue that tells your brain it’s time off, like music, light a candle, or go in the garden.
3️⃣ Seek new adventures to stretch your time
Routine can make time blur. Add one new thing and the weekend tends to feel longer.
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 trigger 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: A small plan beats drifting into Sunday night.
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.
The people who last are the ones who protect their energy and keep showing up week after week.