A recent study found that people are happier on their weekends, regardless of their industry and their job satisfaction. In other words, even if you love your job and make a lucrative salary, you are still notably happier on the weekends.
Regardless of age, race, or class, men and women reported elevated mood on the weekends. They also reported that their physical health was better as well. This is no surprise. Stress and lack of sleep can lead to headaches, digestive problems, back aches, and many more physical ailments.
Luckily, there are ways to enjoy a “weekend mood,” even in the middle of the week. Here are my top tips for creating feel-good vibes, regardless of the day of the week:
- Have a ‘Real Me’ reminder. During the week, we often tend to adopt professional personas. We carefully guard our speech and make sure that we are behaving impeccably inside the workplace. That’s great—but it can make us feel very isolated from our true selves. I stay connected to the ‘Real Me’ in many ways, but one way is through the small pink streak I have in my hair. Whenever I see myself in the mirror or catch a flash of pink hair in my peripheral vision, it brings a smile to my face. It reminds me of the inner Laura—the one who is playful, vibrant, mischievous, and completely free.
- Get into nature. Another way to awaken a weekend mood is by getting outdoors. You don’t necessarily have to go for a run or bike ride (although that can be fun!), but find some way to connect to the magnificence that is our universe. Perhaps it is opening the bedroom window and looking at the night sky before you go to sleep. Breathe in the night air. Look at the stars. Find yourself in the rhythm of this natural world.
- Ground yourself. Daily mediation is key for a clear mind and light spirit. Spend at least 10 minutes every day meditating and quieting your mind. Don’t worry about mediating ‘the right way.’ All you have to do is sit in stillness. Try to empty your mind of thought, but when thoughts arrive, don’t hold onto them or get frustrated. Just observe the thoughts and release them. Check out this great open-hearted meditationto get you started.
- Rumi says “Be like melting snow—wash yourself of yourself.” This beautiful line of poetry reminds us to constantly let go of our expectations and our rigid definitions of self. You are more than a lawyer, welder, administrative assistant, etc. You are the universe experiencing itself—just as a wave is the whole ocean in one drop, so too are you the whole universe in one drop. Your job is what you do—it is not who are.
- Hang post-it notes with inspiring quotes around your office and home. Place reminders around your workplace that will help you to stay grounded and connected to your true self. Perhaps it is a picture of you in a moment of pure joy and peace, such as playing with your daughter on the beach. Perhaps it is a song lyric from your favorite singer, or a picture from your favorite artist. Maybe you carry a book of poetry with you or a bird feather from your last hike. Whatever it is, find ways to remind yourself of what really matters in this world and where you truly belong.
So, tell me, how do you stay happy and blissful during the week?