I’ve always envied those people who seem to glide into the weekend as if they’ve got a villa booked on the coast. You know the type; they log off on Friday afternoon, toss their laptop bag aside, and somehow transform the next 48 hours into a curated, sun-dappled escape. For years, my weekends were more of a frantic blur than a reset. Laundry. Errands. “Quick” catch-ups that mysteriously lasted six hours. By Sunday evening, I’d be staring down the workweek, wondering where my so-called break had disappeared to.
Somewhere along the line (around the time I found myself getting far too excited about a new vacuum cleaner), I decided enough was enough. I didn’t need to live in a resort to enjoy a sense of ease. I just needed to treat my weekends with the same intention I gave to my workdays. Slowly, almost accidentally, I built little rituals and habits that make my weekends feel like mini holidays, whether I’m staying in the city or venturing just a few kilometres away.
Friday Evenings:
The Soft Launch Now, my weekend starts the moment I close my laptop, not by diving into a list of chores, but by doing something that signals a mental shift. For me, that often means taking a walk at sunset or taking a quick shower and changing into something I wouldn’t wear to a Zoom meeting. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Sometimes I meet a friend for a casual dinner, sometimes I just put on a playlist that makes me feel like I’m on a road trip somewhere warm. The trick is to do something that’s deliberately not work, even if it’s small. It’s like telling your brain, “The holiday begins now.”
Saturday Mornings:
The Ritual Reset I’ve learnt that how I spend Saturday mornings sets the tone for the entire weekend. If I start by scrolling through social media, opening a list of notifications or catching up on personal emails, the day gets away from me. If I treat it like a morning on holiday, even if I’m just at home, everything slows down.
My current favourite ritual is making proper coffee and actually sitting down to drink it, instead of gulping it between to-do lists. Sometimes I’ll stroll through a local market, even if I don’t buy anything, just for that little holiday-in-your-own-city feeling. There’s something oddly luxurious about giving yourself time to meander.
Mini Adventures Close to Home
I used to think a “proper” escape meant getting in the car for hours or booking flights. But some of the best mini getaways I’ve had were within 30 minutes of my front door. A new hiking trail, a pottery class, a hidden garden café; these little detours trick my brain into thinking I’ve travelled further than I have.
I keep a running list of spots or things I’d like to try, so when Saturday afternoon rolls around, I’m not stuck in the “what should we do?” loop. A picnic in the park with a book, a spontaneous museum visit, or even just wandering around a different neighbourhood can give the weekend a sense of novelty.
Sunday Slow-Downs
Sundays used to be a stressful blur of “getting ready for Monday.” Now, I build in slow rituals that mimic the last day of a holiday. Think leisurely brunches, long baths, or a film I’ve been saving. I also try to keep at least a couple of hours completely unscheduled. The trick is to create a gentle landing, not a crash back to reality.
Social Moments That Don’t Drain You
Part of what makes holidays so memorable is the balance between activity and rest, between being with people and enjoying your own space. I used to either overschedule social events or avoid them entirely. Now, I’m a bit more intentional.
If I know I’m heading out for a dinner or drinks, I make sure the rest of the day isn’t crammed. I’ve also become better at saying no to the types of plans that leave me exhausted by Sunday. Instead, I lean into smaller, more meaningful catch-ups, the kind that don’t require shouting over a crowded bar.
And yes, when drinks are involved, I’ve learnt to come prepared. A glass of water between cocktails has become second nature, and I always have my little weekend essentials ready to go, including my Myrkl tucked into my bag. It’s a small thing, but it’s part of the ritual that helps me enjoy a night out without sacrificing the next morning’s mini-holiday vibe.
The Magic Is in the Intention
The truth is, weekends only feel like holidays when you decide they will. It’s not about extravagant plans or expensive getaways. It’s about small, thoughtful rituals that create a sense of pause and pleasure. Whether it’s a Saturday morning market stroll or a Sunday night soak, these little choices add up.
I still have weekends that descend into chaos (some habits die hard), but more often than not, I manage to carve out moments that genuinely feel like time away. And the best part? I don’t have to board a plane to get them.
If you like this concept, then perhaps you may enjoy the idea of a latecation. Or, maybe you can read a bit more about work-life balance in this article. Either way, reconsider how you spend your time outside of work to have a fuller and more beautiful life without breaking the bank or rushing to every corner of the world.
Important Notes:
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently breaks down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights. 2022;15:1-5.
MYRKL (capsules), Unscheduled. D 34.12: Complementary Medicine (Health Supplement). Contains Fermented Rice Bran (Oryza sativa), L-Cysteine, Dextrin and Vitamin B12. (fermented by Bacillus subtilis & Bacillus coagulans). This medicine is subject to regulatory control by SAHPRA.
Developed and formulated by: De Faire Medical AB, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 11A, 111 53 Stockholm, Sweden.
Applicant: Imperial Market Access Healthcare SA (Pty) Ltd, 57 Sarel Baard Crescent, Gateway Industrial Park, Rooihuiskraal, 0157.
General contact information: Tel: 012 621 4300, info.mahsa.sm@dpworld.com. For any quality or safety related queries, please contact Imperial Quality at quality.healthcare.sm@dpworld.com or Imperial Medical at pvimperiallogistics@dpworld.com.
