The Weekend Myth: Why Two Days Off Aren’t Enough ( And What To Do About It)
Let’s be honest—two days off is a joke. By the time Friday finally rolls around, most of us are running on fumes, just trying to make it to the weekend. Then, instead of actually resting, we spend Saturday and Sunday catching up on laundry, grocery shopping, fixing things around the house, or running kids to activities. Before you know it, Sunday evening hits, and that dreaded feeling creeps in—Monday is coming, and you’re just as exhausted as you were on Friday.
The whole system is flawed. The five-day workweek was created over a hundred years ago during the industrial revolution, and while society has evolved, the way we work hasn’t caught up. People are burning out left and right, and a measly two-day weekend isn’t cutting it.
Why Two Days Off Feels Like Nothing:
Image Credit: DALL.E
Recovery Takes Time – The human body and mind don’t magically reset in 48 hours. Between mental exhaustion from work and physical exhaustion from everything else life throws at us, two days aren’t enough to truly unwind. Research even shows that extended periods of rest are necessary for long-term productivity and well-being.
Weekends Get Swallowed by Responsibilities – Most people don’t even get to relax on the weekend because they’re too busy taking care of things they didn’t have time for during the week. Paying bills, cleaning the house, meal prepping—it never ends. By the time Sunday night rolls around, there’s no time left to just exist.
Work Still Creeps In – Be honest, how often do you check your work emails or messages on the weekend? Even if you don’t actively work, the mental weight of unfinished tasks still lingers. It’s hard to fully unplug when there’s always something hanging over your head.
Sunday Scaries Are Real – That pit in your stomach on Sunday evening? It’s not just in your head. Studies show that many people experience heightened anxiety and stress as Monday approaches. That’s because we don’t get enough time to reset before being thrown back into the grind.
A four-day workweek is becoming more popular, with studies proving that shorter workweeks lead to happier, more productive employees. But until that becomes the norm, we have to take control of our time and protect our energy as much as possible.
How to Make Weekends Work for You:
Schedule Real Rest – If you don’t plan for rest, it won’t happen. Set aside time for things that actually help you recharge, whether it’s sleeping in, spending time outside, or doing something creative.
Set Work Boundaries – Turn off notifications, avoid checking emails, and remind yourself that the world won’t fall apart if you take a break. Work will still be there on Monday.
Spread Chores Throughout the Week – Instead of cramming all your errands into the weekend, try doing small tasks during the week. Maybe meal prep on a Thursday or knock out laundry on a Wednesday. It frees up your weekend for actual downtime.
Take Mini-Breaks During the Week – If you feel like you’re always running on empty, try carving out moments of rest during the workweek. Even a short walk, a coffee break, or five minutes of deep breathing can help prevent total burnout.
Push for Change – If your company offers flexibility, take advantage of it. Remote work, flexible schedules, and even advocating for a four-day workweek can make a difference in how you experience time off.
The two-day weekend just isn’t enough. People need more time to rest, recharge, and actually enjoy their lives outside of work. Until then, taking control of your weekends and setting boundaries around your time can make a huge difference. You deserve more than just a couple of rushed days to catch your breath.
Prioritize your rest—because nobody else is going to do it for you.
