What if, instead of being exhausted by Sunday evening - we were fulfilled, rested, and ready for the week ahead?

Last year, I spent months working towards implementing a do less, better approach. I wanted my freedom back. I wanted it back more than I wanted a side hustle. More than social media popularity. More than any fear of missing out.

I’d like to ditch screens as well, while we’re at it, and not be so drained from overusing them.

I want my freakin’ weekends back and those workday evenings too.

The Set Up

The first thing that needed to be dropped was the old ‘all or nothing’ attitude in favour of a more compassionate just-keep-trying mindset.

Next, take a look at the calendar and set yourself up to have the time to rest again.

• Wrap up or delegate anything you’re currently committed to

• Say no to future work if it doesn’t fit inside the work day

• Decrease or dissolve that side hustle

• Cluster errands and administrative tasks

• Purposely leave a weekend day with nothing scheduled

Learning Curve

It took months, and sometimes I’m stuck with work on the weekends, but it is rare. It also takes time to get over the jitters of not checking screens or having access. Here are a few things that help:

• Cleaning the house and getting groceries during the week, if possible, or first thing Saturday morning.

• Being comfortable with boredom and having non-tech based creative outlets available.

• Turning the smartphone off after super and on weekends, even if that means having to get a landline (I’m working toward this one).

The Results

Sunday mornings are my absolutely favourite part of the week. I love it. To have no timings, no dings, and no pings, is heaven. Sometimes I’ll read in the sun, others times I’ll get out into nature - often it’s both.

I found space. Space to be bored and fuel creative thoughts. Space to visit friends and family without a next timing to meet. Space to help others when needed. Space to play and laugh and get outside. Space to read a book cover to cover or bounce big ideas with others.

There are no “sunday scaries” or dread for the new week. I feel good. Better. Happier. I get the best sleeps.

That’s nice Vickie but what about those with families? Well, check out the book below on how to incorporate days off and screen free.

In this book by author and filmmaker Tiffany Shlain, which I read cover to cover last Sunday, she explores how her family instituted taking one day off a week. The hurdles, benefits, and how much they all look forward to the time. No screens. And yes, she has teenagers.

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