Ideas for a Fun, Healthy and Meaningful Weekend

Lisa Franchi January 31, 2014

TGIF! Have you got plans already? Some of you are probably planning to go out with friends for a sumptuous feast at the restaurant, a night-out or a great outdoor adventure, whilst the others simply want to stay at home, and make up for the lost sleep during the weekdays. A lot of people think of weekends as an opportunity to forget about diet and exercise and just do whatever they want, even if it’s unhealthy.

But isn’t it much better if you observe health and wellness and still have fun on weekends? Yes it’s possible. Here are some great ideas for a healthy weekend!

Get outdoors

Weekends are perfect for family bonding because they are usually the days of the week when everyone’s home. So why not come up with an exciting recreational activity that will get your whole family moving? Consider going outdoors for a fun sport activity or some adventure. Another thing, by heading outside you can get a dose of vitamin D which you don’t always get during the weekdays when you’re at work.

Cook

Weekend is incomplete without a sumptuous feast. Instead of dining out, prepare some healthy, mouth-watering dishes for the whole family. Instead of deep-frying meat or fish, grill it. Brush it with ginger oil and some other spices and you will have a perfect weekend menu that is fully loaded with essential nutrients. And don’t forget to prepare some vegetable salad. Your kids would also appreciate if you have some baked goods. Tried vegetable lasagne? This luscious dish will surely tickle your taste buds.

Plan for relaxation

Most people are too busy at work during weekdays so their weekends are mostly scheduled for errands, grocery shopping, and house chores. As you give time for these tasks, you also want to give time for relaxation. Schedule some downtime for at least an hour or two. Think of an activity that relaxes your mind and gives you pure fun and entertainment. It could be a trip to the spa or to the movie house, a gardening activity, or an hour or so of afternoon nap. Relaxation is crucial for a healthy mind and body. It helps recharge your batteries for another challenging work week!

Celebrate with nature

Green spaces appear to provide healing benefits to your mind, body and soul. According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the closer you live to nature, the healthier you are likely to be. Go for a trip to the park, to a wooded area, or to a place where you can interact with nature.

Volunteer

Weekends are also a great time to reach out to others and teach your kids some acts of kindness. Volunteering benefits you as it benefits other people. Various studies have shown that it can improve your health and well-being in so many ways. In 2000 for instance, US researchers found that 71 per cent of volunteers said that their volunteer activities helped them with their interpersonal skills, such as understanding people better, motivating others, and dealing with difficult situations.

Be creative

Nurture your kids’ creativity by letting them collaborate in an artwork project. Maybe you can ask them to make decorations for valentines or help you do the garden stuff. Creative activities boost cognitive health and improve your sense of well-being.

Happy weekend everyone!