How to Take Back Your Weekends: The Life Changing Benefits of Taking Two Days Off

Do you get a two-day vacation every week?

Many of us do, typically on Saturdays and Sundays. But do you treat it like a vacation?

Most of us do not, and that impacts our relationships and overall well-being. At least, according to Katrina Onstad, the author of How to Take Back Your Weekends: The Life Changing Benefits of Taking Two Days Off.

Three Key Lessons from How to Take Back Your Weekends

Value of Leisure Time

Leisure time, especially weekends, rejuvenates people. Dedicating time to leisure activities, hobbies, and relaxation is crucial for mental health, creativity, and overall well-being.

Related: How to be Happier as an Adult: Mid-Life Crisis Explained

Counteract Overwork Culture

Challenge the prevailing culture of overwork that dominates modern society by being as good at your leisure time as you are at your labor. There are detrimental effects of constant busyness when you don’t establish clear boundaries around your work time. 

Related: 8 Tips for Remote Workers to Manage Work and the Home

Social Connection and Happiness

The weekend should be a time to foster strong social connections. Spending quality time with friends and family, and engaging in social activities on weekends, contributes significantly to happiness and fulfillment.

Related: Why to Include Other Couples on Date Nights

Modern Husbands Podcast

Ms. Onstad was our latest guest on the Modern Husbands Podcast. 

Katrina Onstad is also a Scotiabank Giller Prize-nominated writer. Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, Toronto Life and The Walrus. She’s won several National Magazine Awards and was an American National Magazine Award finalist.

🔔 Click here to listen and subscribe to the Modern Husbands Podcast on Apple.

🔔 Click here to listen and subscribe to the Modern Husbands Podcast on Spotify.

Show Notes

0:00:00 Introduction

0:00:55 A history of where the weekend came from

0:06:00 What is pushing the shift to losing our weekends to work

0:10:22 How the weekend impacts personal and relational happiness

0:17:22 Why weekends should be framed in a similar way as vacations

0:23:12 Additional weekend happiness hacks to relax on the weekend truly

0:26:30 Where our listeners learn more about you or follow Katrina

0:27:38 Chores, screens, and shopping

0:29:12 One piece of easily actionable advice for our listeners

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Original Post: 5/25/23

Updated Post: 8/12/26