There’s nothing quite like the feeling of clocking out on a Friday. For many, it’s the chance to kick back, relax, and not think about meetings or persistent projects. But while pampering yourself is a must, taking care of minor tasks on the weekend can make that incoming Monday more pleasant. Follow these simple steps to weekend productivity for a serene transition into the next workweek.
Get Organized
If you have scattered notes around the office, take them home with you and spend some time giving them a little organizational TLC. To make it more fun, buy yourself a new organizer or notebook and color-coordinate notes by tasks with their due dates.
Create a Structured To-do List
If that list of tasks is long and still growing, spend some time ranking them by importance and creating a list of to-do items for every day of the week. When you sit down at your desk on Monday morning you’ll know exactly what you need to tackle.
Brainstorm for a Project
Sometimes we do our best work outside of the office. Whether enjoying nature or lounging on the couch, partake in some carefree brainstorming for that one big project you have coming up. You just might find unexpected inspiration while wrapped in a cozy blanket.
Clean up Your Inbox
If you feel a sense of gloom when you open up your email and scroll through 100+ messages, then it might be time to clean that inbox up. Use a quiet weekend at home to go through each one and categorize them properly so that you can find them later on.
Practice Creativity
Nothing beats a creative exercise or two, especially when you work in the realm of marketing. If you find yourself crunched for creative time at work, designate a few hours on the weekend to peruse popular posts on social media, doodle some ideas, take photographs for your content, or even kick back with work-related articles you’ve been meaning to read.
Tidy Your Desk
Whether you work from home every day or just a few days of the week, take some weekend time to clean up, organize, and adorn your desk. Stock your work area with new supplies and add a relaxing decoration like a desktop Zen waterfall as a reminder to take a breather during the day.
Get Serious on Sunday
Dedicate just an hour or two on Sunday evening to get your notes, thoughts, and schedule in order. Review Friday’s work and what you have planned for Monday, then jot down some ideas for how you can tackle those important tasks. You’ll thank yourself before that first sip of Monday coffee.
Remember to Have Fun
Getting ahead of the Monday game is great, but you should remember to take plenty of time for yourself. Give your brain something else to focus on, such as your favorite hobby or a new activity. Reward yourself for previous workweek accomplishments so that you’re ready to dive into whatever Monday has in store.