For many working mums, weekends feel less like a break and more like a frantic scramble to catch up on everything left undone during the week. Between piles of laundry, grocery runs, and spending meaningful time with family, it’s easy to feel like you’re sprinting to Monday morning rather than recharging.
But weekends are more than just two days on the calendar—they’re an opportunity to reset, refocus, and realign with your goals. As Brené Brown writes in Daring Greatly, “We need to let go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth.” Your weekends deserve intentionality, care, and a sprinkle of joy.
Here are 10 detailed, actionable strategies to help you reclaim your weekends, reduce overwhelm, and set yourself up for a smoother, more fulfilling week.
1. Plan the Week Ahead
Use a Family Calendar to Stay Organised
David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, emphasises, “Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” Writing things down frees your mental space for creativity and clarity.
- Spend 15 minutes each Saturday morning reviewing your family calendar.
- Include appointments, deadlines, school events, and important reminders.
- Use tools like Google Calendar or a physical planner to keep everyone on the same page.
Action Tip: Create a visual schedule and place it in a common area like the kitchen or hallway.
Set Three Key Priorities for the Week
Instead of an endless to-do list, identify your top three must-dos for the upcoming week.
- What tasks will make the biggest impact?
- What absolutely must get done?
Action Tip: Write these priorities down somewhere visible—like on a whiteboard or sticky notes.
2. Prioritise Rest and Recharge
Carve Out Time for Sleep and Relaxation
Ariana Huffington, in Thrive, advocates fiercely for rest, saying, “Sleep is a performance-enhancing activity.”
- Set a sleep goal for the weekend.
- Block out time for naps or quiet relaxation.
Action Tip: Treat rest like an appointment you cannot cancel.
Allow Yourself Guilt-Free Downtime
Downtime isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.
- Watch a favourite show.
- Read a book purely for pleasure.
- Sit with a cup of tea and do nothing.
Action Tip: Give yourself permission to ‘clock out’ mentally and physically.
3. Spend Quality Time with Family
Create Intentional Family Moments
John Mark Comer, in The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, writes, “Hurry is incompatible with love.”
- Plan undistracted family time.
- Put away phones and be fully present.
Action Tip: Schedule one tech-free family activity every weekend.
Plan a Fun Family Activity
Keep it light and fun—a board game night, baking cookies, or a family picnic.
Action Tip: Let your children help plan the activity.
4. Get Ahead with Meal Prep
Plan Meals for the Week
Meal prep saves hours of decision fatigue.
- Plan 5 weekday meals.
- Write a grocery list based on those meals.
Action Tip: Prep easy-to-reheat meals for busy nights.
Batch Cook to Save Time
Cook in bulk and freeze portions.
Action Tip: Choose one dish to batch-cook every weekend.
5. Do a Quick Home Reset
Tackle the Big Tasks First
Start with high-impact chores.
- Laundry.
- Kitchen tidy-up.
Action Tip: Set a timer for 20 minutes and focus on one area.
Involve the Family in Tidying Up
Make chores a team effort.
Action Tip: Assign age-appropriate tasks.
6. Carve Out Personal Time
Do Something Just for You
Julia Cameron calls this an Artist Date—a solo activity to nurture your creativity.
Action Tip: Block 30 minutes for yourself.
7. Reflect and Celebrate Wins
Acknowledge the Week’s Achievements
Celebrate even the small victories.
Action Tip: Write down three wins.
8. Set Boundaries with Work Emails and Calls
Define ‘Work-Free’ Hours
Switch off notifications.
Action Tip: Communicate your boundaries to your team.
9. Get Outdoors and Move Your Body
Enjoy Nature with the Family
Fresh air improves mood.
Action Tip: Plan a family walk.
10. Prepare for a Smooth Monday Morning
Lay Out Outfits and Bags
Prep everything Sunday night.
Action Tip: Write your top Monday task.
The Takeaway
Your weekends matter. Protect them, plan them, and fill them with moments that refresh your body, mind, and spirit.
