Weekends are a time when you can restore yourself and enjoy some down time.  Most leaders are extremely busy during the week, and it’s important to slow down on the weekends and recharge.

During my past weekend, I found a blog by Lolly Daskal, who coaches leaders.  Throughout her coaching, she has found that most successful leaders have similar habits on the weekends.  They include:

1.      They disconnect. Many leaders take the weekend to disconnect.  They put the phone away and step away from the computer…at least for a few hours. Daskal says this is important in order to reconnect with yourself.  While I don’t disconnect completely on weekends, I am less connected than I am during the week. 

2.      They read. This was a common habit among most leaders, and I definitely follow suit.  I love to read and spend a lot of time on the weekends doing so.  Most of what I read is related to business in some form, but on occasion, I do enjoy a good novel. Currently my senior team and I are reading No Ego by Cy Wakeman, which I would highly recommend. I also read many articles on News 360 and Flipboard, in addition to the normal news outlets.

3.      They spend time with their loved ones.  This one is so important.  During the week everyone is busy, and you don’t get the time to connect with those around you at home.  Use the weekend to spend some quality time with friends and family.  Since all three of my kids are out of the house, I enjoy getting together with them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner when possible or watching my middle son play hockey on Sunday afternoons.

4.      They take on a hobby. Hobbies are a great way to take your mind of work.  Daskal states that hobbies make you more multidimensional and better able to relate with others.  I’m in a bowling league on Saturday nights, which serves twofold since I also get to spend time with my friends as well.

5.      They exercise. Exercise not only is good for your physical health, but it also is a great way to reduce stress and clear your mind.  I recently purchased a Peloton.  It’s so much easier to get in a workout in my living room rather than having to go to the gym, yet I still have the live interaction via video.

6.      They recharge. It’s important to use the weekend as a time to recharge, allowing you to be prepared for the week ahead.  I do spend a couple hours each Sunday evening preparing for the week ahead. This allows me to not  come in overwhelmed on Monday to start the week.

7.      They volunteer.  As busy as those in leadership positions are, most still find time to volunteer.  I volunteer at the YMCA.  I’ve always felt it is important to give back.

How do you recharge on the weekends?  Email me at [email protected].