10 Genius Ways to Make Your Weekend Feel Twice as Long

Why Do Weekends Feel So Short?

  • The common frustration: we look forward to the weekend all week, only for it to fly by.
  • Why weekends often feel rushed or unfulfilling.
  • The good news: while we can’t add more hours, we can make our weekends feel richer and more satisfying.

1. Prep Your Weekend in Advance

📌 Free up your time by tackling chores early.

  • Spread out small tasks like laundry and grocery shopping during the week.
  • Arrive at the weekend with fewer responsibilities so you can actually enjoy it.

2. Remove the Stress of Meal Decisions

📌 Plan meals in advance to avoid wasting time on “What should I eat?”

  • Decide your weekend meals while in weekday mode.
  • Prep ingredients for quick, enjoyable meals.
  • Pro tip: Make one meal a “special weekend treat” to differentiate from the workweek.

3. Map Out Your “Perfect 48”

📌 A little planning goes a long way.

  • Spend 5 minutes on Friday mapping out must-dos and want-to-dos.
  • Balance structure and spontaneity—avoid overscheduling.

4. Create a Friday Ritual to Mark the Start of Your Weekend

📌 Your brain needs a clear transition from work to rest.

  • Choose a simple, consistent activity: fresh flowers, a scenic walk, a favorite drink.
  • Signal to your mind that the weekend has officially begun.

5. Maximize Your Mornings for a Time-Expanding Effect

📌 Start your weekend days with meaning, not just routine.

  • Use the early quiet for something fulfilling—reading, journaling, or meditation.
  • Even 10 minutes of intentionality can change your perception of time.

6. Slow Down to Shift Your Mindset

📌 Weekends shouldn’t feel like an extension of the workweek.

  • Avoid rushing into obligations.
  • Simple changes: enjoy coffee before checking your phone, delay morning emails.
  • Setting a different morning pace makes weekends feel more distinct.

7. Break Free from Rigid Routines

📌 Let your weekend feel different from your structured weekdays.

  • Ditch the usual schedule: breakfast for dinner, a midday movie, or a long nap.
  • If you have kids, give them some freedom to relax their routine too.

8. Try Something New to Expand Time Perception

📌 Novel experiences make time feel longer.

  • Science shows our brains register new experiences more vividly than repetitive ones.
  • Ideas: Visit a new neighborhood, try a different coffee shop, or explore a local event.

9. Change Up Your Weekend Entertainment

📌 Avoid defaulting to the same TV shows as weekdays.

  • Make weekends feel special by choosing different entertainment.
  • Ideas: Watch a new movie, start a fresh series, or have a game night instead.

10. End with a Sunday Night Highlight

📌 Don’t let Sunday evening turn into pre-Monday anxiety.

  • Schedule something enjoyable to look forward to—dinner plans, a hobby, or a relaxing bath.
  • A planned event keeps you present in your weekend, delaying the “Sunday scaries.”

Final Thoughts: How to Start Extending Your Weekends Now

  • Pick one of these strategies to test this weekend.
  • The goal isn’t to overschedule, but to create a more intentional, fulfilling weekend.
  • Small changes can make a huge difference in how long and satisfying your weekend feels.