Do your weekends ever feel… underwhelming?

You look forward to them all week, imagining rest, fun, and maybe even a bit of adventure. But then somehow, by Sunday night, you’re left wondering where the time went—and why you still feel tired.

I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. 

But over the past couple of years, I’ve started treating my weekends a little differently. Less like a time to just “catch up” on errands or mindlessly scroll, and more like an opportunity to reset and recharge.

What I’ve found is that you don’t need a flight, a fancy spa, or a packed itinerary to feel like you’ve escaped your routine. You just need the right kind of rest—intentional, enjoyable, and energizing.

Here are five rejuvenating activities that have helped my weekends feel more like a mini vacation.

Maybe they’ll do the same for you.

1. Indulging in free-form art making

If you’re anything like me, the thought of “making art” might sound intimidating. Maybe you’ve never taken a painting class or your doodles look like stick figures gone wrong. 

But here’s the thing: free-form art isn’t about perfecting a technique. It’s about letting your creativity flow and forgetting the rules for a while.

And crucially, it seems to have some serious benefits. One study found that 45 minutes of drawing, collage-making, or working with clay significantly cut cortisol levels in 75% of participants. And many described the session as relaxing and “flow-inducing.” 

Sounds good, right?

Personally, I’ll throw on some chill music, spread out old magazines and art supplies on the table, and just let my mind wander. Cutting and pasting random pictures into a collage is oddly therapeutic. There’s something about using your hands—tactile, messy, unfiltered—that taps into a childlike sense of wonder.

Sometimes I’ll walk away with a piece I actually like (surprise!), and other times I’m left with a colorful mess. Either way, I feel calmer, like I’ve just hit the reset button on my stress levels.

And yes, if you have kids, this is a golden opportunity to get them involved, too. But it’s perfectly fine to do it solo.

2. Embracing a 24-hour digital detox

If there’s one thing I’ve learned the hard way, it’s that my phone can be an all-consuming black hole. Social media, emails, breaking news—it’s like a never-ending to-do list I can’t resist. 

I’ve mentioned this before but unplugging, even for a single day, can be a game-changer for your sanity.

Again, this is well supported by research which has shown that people experience consistent—if modest—gains in life satisfaction and reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms after short-term social-media breaks.

So..how hard is it?

Well, I used to think I’d be lost without my phone. But the very first time I tried a 24-hour digital detox, something incredible happened: I got reacquainted with what a free Saturday actually looks like. 

I went on a walk without feeling the urge to check my notifications every five seconds. I chatted with a neighbor, got lost in a good book, and actually tasted my coffee instead of gulping it down while scrolling through my feed.

Of course, to really make this stick, you’ll need to plan ahead. For instance, warn your friends so they don’t freak out if you go radio-silent. 

If you can’t commit to a full 24 hours at first, try half a day or even a morning. The main goal is to give your brain a breather from the constant stream of digital pings.

3. Gettting your hands dirty with gardening 

Did you know that taking care of plants can boost overall well-being, life satisfaction, and mood?

Don’t have a lush backyard garden? No problem. One of the easiest ways to bring a bit of the outdoors in is by caring for houseplants or setting up a small herb garden on your windowsill. 

If you do have some outdoor space, that’s even better—digging into actual soil can be surprisingly…grounding.

When you’re potting plants or pruning leaves, you’re basically forced to be in the moment. There’s no mindless scrolling to distract you. If anything, you’re hyper-aware of the texture of the soil, the smell of fresh greenery, and the delicate process of caring for a living thing.

I once spent an entire Sunday morning repotting succulents—something that seemed borderline mundane on paper. But let me tell you, by the time I was done, my mind felt as if it had been on a restful getaway. I was energized, content, and strangely proud of my little plant “family.”

Try it; you might just feel the same!

4. Volunteering for a local cause

Volunteering might sound counterintuitive if you’re trying to rest. After all, it involves time and effort you could theoretically spend lounging at home. 

However, the sense of fulfillment and community connection that comes from helping others can be incredibly refreshing. Researchers have even linked regular volunteering with better mental health, reduced mortality risk, and stronger social connectedness across age groups! 

That’s a compelling trifecta, and it makes sense: when we extend ourselves to others, we shift our perspective and tap into a powerful source of meaning.

Now, volunteering doesn’t have to be a major production. You might spend a few hours helping out at a local animal shelter, participating in a park cleanup, or delivering meals to seniors. Pick a cause that resonates with you—that’s the key.

I spend some Saturday mornings reading with kids who are behind grade level. Sure, it takes time out of my weekend but it gives me this surge of positivity and gratitude that trickles into the rest of my life. I head home with a light heart, and suddenly, my weekend feels less like chores and more like a mini break from the norm.

5. Taking a scenic day trip 

Sometimes, the best weekend mini vacations are hidden in your own backyard—metaphorically speaking, anyway. 

I’m talking about one-day or overnight trips to places within a couple of hours’ drive from your home. It could be a charming small town, a nature reserve, a beach, or even a quirky roadside attraction you’ve always wondered about.

When I first started exploring close-to-home destinations, I was blown away by how many cool spots I’d overlooked. There is a peaceful lake just 90 minutes away with kayaking, hiking trails, and a killer view of the sunset. I sometimes drive out early Saturday, spend the day exploring, then drive back in the evening or find a cheap Airbnb if I want an overnight stay.

What I love most is that it doesn’t demand serious planning. Usually, I’ll pack a few snacks, a book, and some comfy clothes, then hit the road. I’m not checking flight statuses, juggling currency exchanges, or dealing with jet lag. I’m just shifting my routine enough to feel like I’ve gone somewhere new. 

And that sensation of novelty—of being in a different environment—gives me the same kind of buzz I get from bigger trips.

If you’re in a city, you might jump on a train or bus to a neighboring town. If you’re in a more rural area, maybe that scenic overlook or small museum is worth a quick drive. 

The point is: a vacation vibe doesn’t require crossing continents. Sometimes all it takes is an hour or two beyond your usual bubble.

Rounding things off

You don’t have to wait for your next grand vacation to recenter yourself. 

Whether it’s unplugging from your phone for a day, getting creative with art supplies, tending a small garden, giving back through volunteering, or exploring a hidden gem in your region, these mini “escapes” can breathe fresh energy into your weekends.

And if you ask me, that’s the real win—feeling consistently alive, curious, and recharged, rather than waiting for that once-a-year relief.

Here’s hoping your next weekend feels just a little more like a mini vacation. You’ve earned it.