Most weekends I’m on the go. It’s just not in my nature to stay in town for too long. If I don’t have a few trips on the itinerary, I start getting antsy wondering where I can get away to for even just 24 hours.
This past weekend and the weekend coming up, however, are both DC weekends for me, and I’ve been determined to make the most of my time in the District. Whether it’s enjoying my own city or relaxing at home, I’m embracing the art of staying put.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A WEEKEND AT HOME
There are so many ways to interpret this phrase, and you have to do what you’re feeling at the moment. Does it mean going on a staycation in your own city by hitting all the tourist spots you’ve never seen? Strolling around a museum like you would if you were in a foreign place? Catching up with all the friends you’ve been meaning to see? Or would you prefer to make it a Netflix marathon with take out? Let’s look at all the possibilities.
And, side note, I’ll get this out of the way now. I’m wearing a navy quilted jacket from the now defunct C. Wonder, but here’s a similar version. Of course I have a trusty tartan cape scarf to keep me warm, my absolute favorite high waisted rag and bone jeans, and my decades old mini Longchamp bag. These fabulous architectural earrings are from David Aubrey, and I’m obsessed with mock necks from Madewell like this one. Pick up these sunglasses for under $15 from Target.
FOR THOSE ALWAYS ON THE GO
There’s no need to go into lazy mode just because you’re staying put for a weekend. Now’s the time to get out and explore your own city like you would somewhere new! Here’s a list of what I like to do when I have a free weekend.
- Devote your Saturday and Sunday mornings to active relaxation with a slow paced yoga class. Stop by a coffee shop on the way home.
- Hit up the local farmer’s market. It’s so nice to have time to leisurely stroll through the vendors and take home produce to cook for a nutritious Sunday dinner.
- Make a list of all the museums in town and devote an afternoon to exploring a new one, or revisiting your favorites.
- Take a walk around your neighborhood and see what’s new! If you’re in a city, there’s likely always something opening up around the corner that you haven’t even noticed yet.
- Entertain at home! Have friends over and try out some of the recipes you’ve been perfecting on weeknights. It’s so nice to have a long afternoon to cook, set the table, and get ready for a couple guests.
- Schedule a date night in a new neighborhood. Explore a bar you haven’t been to, a restaurant you haven’t tried. There’s so much to be discovered in your own back yard.
FOR THOSE IN SEARCH OF PRODUCTIVITY
Of course it’s never a bad idea to use a down weekend to tackle those to-do lists. Whether you have a side hustle, a volunteer obligation, or just a never ending list of projects around the house, most of us could use a couple extra days to just catch up on life. While this doesn’t typically end up being the way I spend my weekends in DC, there are more than a few ways to max out productivity when you have an off weekend.
- Prioritize your to-do list at the beginning of the weekend. You’ll get more done if you know what it is you need to get done.
- Make a list of all those loose ends you have. Any phone calls regarding accounts, bills, or otherwise that keep getting put off, now is the time to do them.
- Take stock of your Linkedin, your resume, your portfolio website, and any items having to do with your online presence or professional brand. Make those necessary updates.
- Use your free time to clean out and declutter your home. Nothing makes you feel refreshed like reaching, even minimally, towards minimalism.
- For bonus points, try to sell the items that you have decluttered.
- Now that you’re home is cleaned out, it’s time to deep clean! Use your down time to scrub all those corners that get missed in the every day maintenance cleanings.
- If you’re a blogger, knock out as many shoots in one afternoon as possible, AND edit the pics so that they’re ready to go when you’re ready to write.
FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO DECOMPRESS
You can’t forget that sometimes it’s just time to relax! There’s nothing better than taking a Sunday morning (or a whole weekend if that’s your thing!) for self care and quiet. And, when it’s cold out, it’s so wonderful to sit at home taking in that hygge life.
- Start the day off with some meditation and acupressure to get yourself feeling physically and mentally centered.
- Enjoy a cup of hot chamomile or peppermint tea. Add in collagen peptides.
- Diffuse lavender or eucalyptus oil to create a spa-like environment in your home.
- Read a book that will teach you a bit more about yourself and those close to you. I’m currently reading The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin and I can’t recommend it enough, especially during this season of goal setting.
- Take a bath. Do a face mask. Paint your nails. Exfoliate. Whenever I’m trying to decompress at home, I’m all about taking care of myself and reinvigorating my body. All these primping rituals do the trick.
- Get out of the house, get some fresh air, stroll around the neighborhood, pop into a bakery or coffee shop for a treat. Decompressing doesn’t have to mean staying at home all day!
