Making Your Holiday Weekend More Valuable

In The U.S. and Canada we are about to begin a three day holiday weekend.  In the U.S. we will celebrate Labor Day, and in Canada they add a “u” – it’s Labour Day.  The ideas that follow apply to any three day weekend, in any country during any part of the year.  These ideas are meant to help “get the most” out of the three days – both personally and professionally. 

Ready?

Here we go . . .

Recognize it is a gift!  If you have Monday off when normally you would be at work, recognize the value of that extra day.  That extra day gives you time to relax, or finish an important project or do anything!  Rather than passing judgment on what you should do with it specifically, just choose to spend it intentionally.  The day is a gift – do something – don’t just let it wither away like a flower in the summer heat.

Unplug.  For some portion (if not all) of the weekend, unplug yourself from your electronics.  Shut down twitter, put your smartphone down, forget about email.   I wrote about this recently, and I think a three day weekend is a great time to practice these ideas.

Reconnect.  No, I don’t mean reconnect your power cord or open up Facebook.  I mean reconnect with someone or something (or both).  Spend true quality time with your family, a friend or someone you never seem to get together with.  Spend time with a hobby or something that connects you with your best self.  As you read these words you know who or what you need to reconnect with.  Listen to yourself and do it.

Invest some time in you.  You have three days.  You may choose to spend it in fun activities, enjoying the beach, a buddy or a beer – whatever you choose is great.  And before Tuesday comes, invest an hour in yourself.   While you are unplugged, get out a pad and a pen and think about where you are in relationship to your goals, your projects, your relationships, whatever.   Think about, and capture any ideas about how you can make the next day, week, and month more effective, happier and more successful.  You were gifted a full day in your calendar.  Invest at least one hour of that in yourself and your future.  You are worth it.

I hope these ideas are helpful to you.  More importantly, I hope you try them.  It is your choice, as choosing to have a great holiday weekend.

Choose wisely!