9 Ways Successful Entrepreneurs Spend Their Weekends All work and no play makes for a very dull entrepreneur.
By Deep Patel
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Successful entrepreneurs have a passion for what they do, so working hard is part of their DNA. But anyone who is successful also recognizes that life and work are a marathon, not a sprint. Even they need downtime on the weekend to ensure they're up to the task of being creative problem solvers and innovators Monday through Friday.
Sure, they may spend some time catching up on administrative work. They may spend time on a big project that needs special attention. And they should definitely spend time thinking about the future and considering the big picture.
But what successful entrepreneurs don't do is spend the entire weekend buried under work. We all need a break, and entrepreneurs are no less immune to burnout than anyone else. Their weekends are spent restoring their bodies and minds, and getting prepared to function optimally come Monday.
Here are nine things successful entrepreneurs do over the weekend to unwind and re-energize for the week ahead.
1. Wake up at about the same time.
Successful entrepreneurs understand that staying on track for the week ahead means keeping the same sleeping patterns, even on weekends. That means going to bed and getting up at about the same time all week. This is because your circadian rhythm will stay consistent, so your body will naturally know when it's time to sleep and wake up.
As tempting as it might be to sleep in, doing so can throw off your sleep/wake cycle, disrupting sleep patterns and giving you a poor night's rest. Make sure you aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night to avoid a sleep deficit. Also, getting up early means you'll be ready for whatever the day brings and you'll have time to accomplish all the things you hope to do.
2. Spend quality time with loved ones.
It's no surprise that weekdays can be hectic and filled with obligations. There's a good chance you spent more time in front of your computer (and with co-workers and colleagues) than with the most important people in your life. Make sure you're tending to the quality relationships in your life by making them a priority on the weekends.
Have a date night with a partner. Go for a long walk or enjoy a leisurely lunch with a friend. Make sure you're building and maintaining those relationships by really listening to them. And then share what's on your mind and how you're feeling. The support and connection you feel with others will give you resiliency and can support you in stressful times.
Related: How Smart Entrepreneurs Find Time For Their Families
3. Pursue a passion.
Is there some hobby or activity you've been wanting to try but have never made time for? Dedicate some weekend time to pursuing a passion that's outside of work and beyond your normal day-to-day obligations. Maybe you've always wanted to learn to paint, take up photography or write a novel.
Whether it's a long-lost hobby or a labor of love you've dreamed of embarking on, stop telling yourself that you'll get around to it "someday." Set aside a quiet weekend morning or afternoon to work on it. Pursuing your interests beyond work improves your mental health and reduce stress levels. Plus, focusing on activities outside of work will improve your creativity and give you a chance to look at life from a new perspective.
4. Find time for a mini-adventure.
Weekends give you a chance to unplug from life, put aside your daily responsibilities and go have some fun! Let loose and break out of your rut by taking yourself on a mini-adventure. Get out of the house and find a change of scenery.
A mini-adventure means sticking close to home, so hiking the Grand Canyon may be a bit much, but an overnight camping trip or a day hike is totally doable. Spend an afternoon at the beach or take your bike out for a long ride. The point is to get out and make a memory that will give you a smile for the rest of the week.
5. Fuel their creative mind.
Successful entrepreneurs make sure they take time to feed their creative minds by finding ways to connect with the arts. You don't need a degree in art appreciation or music theory to enjoy the benefits of engaging with the arts. Simply visiting a local museum or spending time listening to music will suffice.
Viewing art can be like a mini-vacation for your brain. It activates areas of the brain that are involved in processing emotion and engaging your pleasure and reward systems. Listening to music can have an even more dramatic effect. In fact, music has been found to stimulate more parts of the brain than any other human function.
Related: 10 Crazy Effects Music Has on Your Brain
6. Relax, reflect and renew.
Savvy entrepreneurs have learned that they must give themselves the space and time to decompress and mull over the events, issues or dilemmas they face. Giving yourself time for self-reflection allows you to link and construct meaning from your experiences. Reflection is one of the main ways we gain insight and foster complex learning and personal growth.
In our busy world, we are often dealing with packed schedules and juggling multiple issues. Make sure you find time on the weekend to disengage from your hectic schedule and just chill. Try journaling, going for a walk, taking in the beauty of a sunset or even just focusing on the present moment and being aware of all the sensations you're experiencing.
7. Get outside and exercise.
Whether it's getting out for a walk through the neighborhood, shooting some hoops or taking a run through the park, high-achieving entrepreneurs get outside on the weekend to stretch their legs and soak up some vitamin D. There are some great benefits to an outdoor rather than indoor workout (although the most important thing is getting exercise, however it works best for you).
Getting some natural sunlight may be a welcome reprieve from artificial lighting if you spend most of the week in an office. Studies have found that adults tend to exercise for longer when they're outside. You also tend to burn more calories and work slightly different muscles because of the wind resistance and changes in terrain. Perhaps most important, you'll have a chance to admire nature and the outside world, which is good for your mental health and well-being.
Related: Why You Should Take Your Work Outdoors
8. Socialize and network.
Successful entrepreneurs realize that any event or gathering is a chance to get to know other people and learn something new from someone you haven't met. Set aside time to socialize with friends and family or get to know colleagues and workmates. If everyone else is busy this weekend, look for other opportunities to socialize and do something fun and interesting.
Check out a local community event. It could be a great chance to learn more about where you live and network and make connections with others. You could also look for a volunteer opportunity with a charity or nonprofit you'd like to support, such as a local animal shelter, senior center or food bank. If you enjoy active sports, join a local team or club. If you're into less strenuous activities, consider a joining a bowling or bocce ball team.
9. Catch up on rest.
It's been a busy week, and you're feeling sleep deprived and run down. While sleeping in isn't a good idea, successful entrepreneurs know when they need to catch up on some much-needed rest. A 10- to 20-minute power nap may be just the thing to help you feel refreshed and alert -- a short snooze is actually much more effective than a cup of coffee in providing an energy boost.
It's best to keep naps short: 30 minutes or less. Longer naps are more likely to leave you feeling groggy and can interfere with your nighttime sleep quality. So when that wave of post-lunch sleepiness hits, go ahead: indulge in an midafternoon nap and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
