17 Things Successful People Do on Long Weekends

Here are 17 things successful people do before and over three-day weekends:

1. They plan ahead

Many successful people plan out their activities for the holiday weekend well in advance so that they are not drawn into the temptation of working.

1. They prepare at work

"Most of what they do happens before they leave for a long weekend so that they are psychologically free to relax and enjoy it," Kerr says.

1. They unplug

Don't sit and stare at screens during your time off. Unplug and try to use as little technology as possible. It will help you sleep better and can keep your mind clear.

1. They set technology guidelines

Successful people set email and phone rules for themselves and the people they work with, so that people understand when, if at all, they will be available to respond or pick up.

1. They do a little bit of nothing

With the breakneck pace of business all week long, many successful people do plan — but sometimes those plans include a little bit of nothing.

1. They spend time with family and friends

During the week, it's hard to give focused attention to those you care about. A three-day weekend lets you schedule this critical quality time.

1. They exercise

Successful people understand how important exercise is to their physical and mental health — so they don't get lazy and skip their workouts over holiday weekends.

1. They volunteer

Many successful people find giving their time to worthy charitable groups or causes to be extremely rewarding.

1. They get outdoors and enjoy nature

A long weekend is the perfect time to get outside and breathe fresh air, especially after being relatively sequestered inside all week.

1. They plan 'staycations' or quick weekend getaways

Taking a short trip to a destination that only an hour or two away. This is a great way to visit a new place, but doesn't require too much travel or planning.

1. They engage in an activity that supports their passion

Do the things that make you happy; the things you don't always have time for during the week or over a regular two-day weekend.

1. They don't think about work

This is a big challenge for a lot of us — but the most successful people don't stress about that upcoming presentation, or that missed deadline from the previous week. Instead, they focus on enjoying whatever it is they're doing now.

1. They recharge

We all need to rest and recharge our batteries from time to time. Successful people use three-day weekends to do this.
They do make plans and stay active — but they also make sure to catch up on sleep and schedule some free time at the end of the weekend to unwind.

1. They sometimes switch days off

If you have the luxury of being able to do this it can be a double win — participating in personal activities when it's quieter and getting more work accomplished at the same time.

1. They think ahead

On the last night of long weekends, many successful people think about the short week ahead and key goals they need to accomplish. And they do this without stressing themselves out.

1. They protect their time

Successful people know that their time is precious. That goes double for any time you have to yourself.

So don't stumble into time-sucking pitfalls over your three day weekend.
Learn how to say no to plans that don't interest you. Kick procrastinating to the curb. It might be the weekend, but that doesn't mean you can't try out some time management strategies.

Life's too short to waste your time off.

1. They enjoy themselves

A miserable long weekend will probably spill over into the rest of your week. Try to focus on yourself a bit, at least for a portion of the three days you've got off. Do something that gives you fulfillment or pleasure.