People who live joyful lives often do these 12 activities on the weekend

Ever noticed how some folks always seem to be buzzing with happiness?

You might think, “What’s their secret?” Well, it’s not just about what they do during the weekdays.

Actually, it turns out weekends play a pretty big role in this joy ride.

So, grab your favorite snack and let’s dig into what these happy souls often do on their weekends.

Who knows? You might find some inspiration to make your own weekends a bit more joyful!

1) They embrace nature

Ever wondered why happy people seem so, well, happy? 

One reason could be their love for the great outdoors.

Whether it’s going for a morning jog in the park, hiking up a mountain trail, or just enjoying a picnic under the sky, they make sure to spend some quality time with Mother Nature on weekends. 

This not only helps them to relax and unwind but also boosts their mood and overall well-being. 

So next time when you are planning your weekend, try to include some outdoor activities in your schedule. Trust us, nature has its own way of making us feel happy and content.

2) They get creative

Another thing that joyful people love doing on their weekends? Getting their creative juices flowing

This could be anything from painting or writing to cooking a new recipe or even DIY projects. Engaging in creative activities is not just fun, but it’s also a great stress-buster. 

Plus, creating something with your own hands gives a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat. 

Why not try your hand at something creative this weekend? You might surprise yourself with what you can do!

3) They spend time with loved ones

One thing I’ve noticed about people who live joyful lives is that they make time for their loved ones. On weekends, they’re often found hanging out with family or catching up with friends. 

And I can personally vouch for this one.

Just last weekend, I spent Sunday afternoon playing board games with my family. We laughed, teased each other, and just enjoyed being in each other’s company. It was simple, but it filled my heart with joy. 

So next time you’re planning your weekend, don’t forget to include some quality time with your loved ones. It can really make a difference in how you feel.

4) They unplug

Happy folks often have a secret weapon for their weekend joy – unplugging. In today’s digital era, we are constantly bombarded with information from our phones, laptops, and TV. 

But did you know that this constant connectivity can actually increase stress levels? A study from the University of Gothenburg found that heavy use of digital media can lead to higher levels of stress, depression, and sleep disorders. 

Folks who live joyful lives often take a break from all these screens on the weekends. They unplug, unwind, and just enjoy the moment. 

It might seem challenging at first but trust us – your mind will thank you for it!

5) They take time for self-care

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget about the most important person – ourselves. But those who live joyful lives do not make this mistake. 

On weekends, they take out time for self-care. It could be as simple as reading a book, taking a long bath, or practicing yoga. It’s not about being selfish, it’s about loving and caring for oneself.

Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. So next time you plan your weekend, make sure to carve out some ‘me’ time. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. And, it can truly make your life more joyful and fulfilling.

6) They keep learning

A common thread I’ve noticed among people who lead joyful lives is their love for learning. They believe that every day is a chance to learn something new. 

And weekends? Those are the perfect time to dive deep into a new hobby or skill. 

Personally, I’ve taken up gardening during my weekends. It’s amazing how much there is to learn about different plants and how to care for them. Plus, watching something grow because of your care is incredibly fulfilling. 

So, whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or diving into a history book, try dedicating some of your weekend time to learning. It keeps your mind active and adds a sense of achievement to your days.

7) They embrace downtime

habits of lazy people who never move forward in life 1 People who live joyful lives often do these 12 activities on the weekend

Now, this one might surprise you. Joyful people, they’re not always on the go. 

They’re not always filling up every single second of their day with activities. In fact, they value downtime. They understand that it’s okay to do absolutely nothing sometimes. It’s okay to just lie on the couch and stare at the ceiling, or sit by the window and watch the world go by. 

They understand that it’s in these quiet moments, when we’re not distracted by a thousand things, that we often find our deepest joy and peace. 

Don’t feel guilty about taking some time off to do ‘nothing’. It’s not wasted time. In fact, it might just be the most important thing you do for yourself.

8) They stay active

Did you know that physical activity can significantly boost your mood? 

According to Mayo Clinic, exercise helps to release feel-good chemicals in your brain, reduce anxiety and improve your sleep. 

And guess what? People who lead joyful lives often use their weekends to stay active. They might go for a swim, take a bike ride, or even dance around the house! 

Physical activity not only keeps them fit but also helps them to stay happy and energetic. 

9) They explore new places

One thing I’ve always admired about joyful people is their sense of adventure. They love exploring new places and trying out new experiences. 

For instance, a friend of mine, who is one of the happiest people I know, makes it a point to visit a new place every weekend. It could be a newly opened cafe in town, a park she hasn’t been to, or even a different city! She says that these new experiences give her a fresh perspective and make her feel more alive. 

Inspired by her, I’ve started doing the same and trust me, it adds an element of excitement to your weekends like nothing else. 

10) They know when to say no

Here’s a hard truth: you can’t do everything. And the happiest people out there, they get that. 

They understand the value of their time and energy. They’re not afraid to say ‘no’ to things that don’t bring them joy or align with their values. 

It can be tough to turn down invitations or requests, especially if you’re a people pleaser. But remember, every time you say ‘no’ to something you don’t want to do, you’re saying ‘yes’ to something you do.

11) They reflect on their week

Weekends are not just for fun and relaxation. They’re also a great time for reflection

Joyful people often take a moment over the weekend to look back at their week. They celebrate their wins, no matter how small, and learn from their mistakes. 

This reflection helps them to grow and start the new week on a positive note. It’s not always easy to confront our own shortcomings or failures, but it’s a crucial part of personal growth.

12) They plan for the week ahead

Lastly, but importantly, joyful people use their weekends to plan for the week ahead. They set goals, make to-do lists and prepare themselves for what’s coming. 

This might not sound like the most exciting part of a weekend, but it goes a long way in reducing stress and ensuring a smooth week ahead. 

Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking off tasks on a list! Remember, a little planning can make a big difference.

Picture of Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling has a background in entrepreneurship, having started and managed several small businesses. His journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship provides him with practical insights into personal resilience, strategic thinking, and the value of persistence. Ethan’s articles offer real-world advice for those looking to grow personally and professionally.

Enhance your experience of Ideapod and join Tribe, our community of free thinkers and seekers.

Related articles

Most read articles

Get our articles

Ideapod news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

0:00
0:00