In a world where the workweek grind can feel relentless, the allure of the weekend as an escape is understandable. However, living solely for the weekend comes with its own set of pitfalls that can impact overall well-being and hinder personal and professional growth.
A lifetime ago, I lived a "waiting for Friday" mentality. My job didn't feed my soul or my life in any substantial way and I developed a deep seeded belief that things would be better when...
When I quit my job
When I went on vacation
When Friday finally came
The problem was...Friday never came. Well in a sense. I started dreading Sunday nights, because of what Monday morning would bring. Then I actually started dreading Sundays entirely because it meant the end of the weekend and that stat of the week. Then I started to resent Saturdays, my only truly free and good day of the week, and all the chores and errands I had 1 day to complete. Then it creeped into Friday because the weekend wasn't enough. I was becoming a ball of misery and negativity.
When we live with a TGIF (Thank Goodness it's Friday) mentality, we rob ourselves of the enjoyment of the present. I saw this "when" mentality a lot during covid. Due to circumstances, many of us were forced to live in a strange existence where it was difficult to plan and be excited for the future.
What was awesome is that people started to invest in their home. They started to put effort into making their everyday space more special, more convenient and more enjoyable.
MOOD VARIATION ON THE WEEKEND
Research shows the people report feeling mentally and physically better on the weekend. Research ties that experience to a person's mind altering change that happens when we feel free to choose our activities and opportunities. People generally feel a greater sense of closeness and freedom on the weekends.
WHEN WE LIMIT OUR IDEA OF HAPPPINESS
When our primary focus is on the weekend, it can create a limited perspective on happiness. Pinning all our hopes for joy and relaxation on a two-day period puts undue pressure on those days, potentially leading to disappointment when reality doesn’t align with expectations.
HOW IT IMPACTS TODAY
Living for the weekend often means neglecting the richness of present moments. Days spent waiting for Friday to arrive can blur into a monotonous routine, causing us to overlook the opportunities for joy and fulfillment in the everyday.
THE ONGOING IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH
The cyclical anticipation of the weekend can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety during the workweek. This constant yearning for a break may negatively impact mental well-being, creating a cycle of discontent. When our focus is solely on reaching the next weekend, it’s easy to lose sight of goals and aspirations. Living for the weekend might inadvertently undermine opportunities for growth and advancement in our careers.
THE LOSS OF BALANCE
Relying heavily on the weekend for relaxation can lead to a strained work-life balance. It’s essential to find moments of respite and joy throughout the week, fostering a healthier equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
ESCAPISM
Using the weekend as a form of escapism may temporarily alleviate stress, but it doesn’t address the root issues causing dissatisfaction during the workweek. It’s essential to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to the desire to escape.
IMPACT ON HOME LIFE & RELATIONSHIPS
Constantly living for the weekend can impact relationships, especially if the focus on leisure time overshadows the importance of meaningful connections and shared experiences throughout the week. This was one of the triggering signs that I needed to change. The people in my life started to notice the negativity and that dark shadow I was living in.
CULTIVATING A PRESENT MINDSET
Shifting from a weekend-centric mindset to a present-centric one involves recognizing the value of each day. Embracing the small joys, setting realistic expectations, prioritizing work-life balance, and finding fulfillment in the everyday contribute to a more holistic and sustainable approach to life.
Conclusion
While the weekend serves as a well-deserved break, living exclusively for Friday can limit our overall well-being and personal growth. Embracing a present-centric mindset, finding joy in everyday moments, nurturing a healthier work-life balance, and addressing root issues contributing to dissatisfaction during the workweek create a more balanced and fulfilling approach to life. By recognizing the richness of each day, we unlock the potential for sustained happiness beyond the allure of the weekend.
