Weekend Stress to Weekend Bliss...Here's How.

This weekend was pure bliss.

Rainy, cold, and gray in the Bay Area—perfect weather for staying in my “Comfies” all day. I binged Later Daters and Chef's Table on Netflix, got lost in my new library books, baked fresh bread, and a poundcake, and took naps whenever I pleased.

It was exactly what my body and mind needed.

But I remember when my weekends didn't look (or feel) like this at all.

Instead of rest, I spent my Sundays “preparing” for the week ahead—checking emails, finishing tasks, and cramming in to-dos, convinced that this would help me have a more balanced and productive start to Monday.

Oddly enough, I never felt that way when Monday arrived. ?Instead, I was exhausted, mentally drained, and already dreading the week ahead.?

?My weekends weren't a break—they were just an extension of my workweek. I didn't give myself the rest that I needed over the weekend and I didn't allow myself the opportunity to rest, recharge, and disconnect from my work.

I see so many people falling into this same cycle, believing that sacrificing their rest will somehow make their weeks easier. But in reality, it does more harm than good—leaving you burnt out before the week even begins.

?So, how did I shift from weekend burnout to weekend bliss? Here are three simple strategies that changed everything for me:

1. Get Clear on Priorities (Daily & Weekly)

Becoming a pro at prioritization means that you can quickly identify what truly needs to get done and what truly deserves your time & attention. ?At the beginning of each day, I ask myself the following questions:?

• What truly matters?
• What can I eliminate, delegate, or automate?
• What is both urgent and important—something only I can do?

By filtering my to-do list this way, I free up time and energy to focus on what really moves the needle. Plus, I don't waste my fresh morning energy on low-priority tasks.

2. Shift Errands & Household Tasks to Weekdays

I started to run my errands and do household tasks during the week instead of waiting for the weekends, which felt counterproductive at first but made a HUGE difference in the long run. Instead of cramming everything into the weekend, I:

• Do small household tasks during the week (laundry, dishes, vacuuming)
• Delegate grocery shopping (hello, delivery apps!)
• Automate purchases of household staples (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)

Since I'm already in “work mode” during the week, I use that momentum to knock out errands—freeing up my weekends for rest, joy, and play.

3. The Friday Prep Session

?Every Friday, I have a block in my calendar that is dedicated to closing out the week. This ritual closes out my week with intention—so when the weekend arrives, I can fully unplug without guilt. ? If something wasn't finished? That's a Monday problem.

During that hour, I:?

• Review my week & update my to-do list
• Prioritize my key tasks for Monday
• Respond to pending emails
• Set my Out of Office (yes, I make sure people know that I am unavailable on the weekends!)

Since making these shifts, I feel more balanced, energized, and present—without sacrificing productivity. My weekends are truly mine, and my Mondays feel refreshing instead of overwhelming.

If you're stuck in the cycle of weekend stress, try incorporating one of these strategies this week. Your future (well-rested) self will thank you. Which strategy will you try first?