4 Sunday Health Hacks

For some, the weekend is a time for well-deserved rest, but for others, it may bring anxiety about the week ahead. What activities do the kids have to attend? How many work meetings are on your schedule? What and when are you going to cook?

If that resonates with you, or you find your weeks are growing more hectic, why not make a resolution (yes, even though it’s after January 1) to revamp how you use your time on Sundays?

With our four easy “weekend hacks,” you might find yourself feeling less stressed and healthier! Those include:

• Decluttering the house. If you’re feeling stressed as you look around the house on Sunday, it might be due to clutter. Studies indicate that seeing it raises cortisol levels and causes cognitive overload, especially among women. The good news is that tidying up will help calm your racing thoughts. So, take as little as 15 minutes to clear your countertops (and have the kids pick up their toys off the floor).
• Meal-prepping. If you want to avoid several grocery store trips, drive-thrus or even standing in the pantry snacking on junk food, why not do some meal planning? Not only can you plan healthy meals, but you can save time by grilling a large batch of chicken on Sunday or even roasting a tray of veggies like broccoli, peppers and sweet potatoes that you can use throughout the week. You also can pre-make little snack packs with nuts, cheese and fruit that the family can grab on the go.
• Scheduling your exercise. It’s difficult to even go for a walk when your schedule feels so busy. But have you actually looked at your calendar? The CDC recommends adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, which equates to just over 20 minutes per day. To try and commit to this, block time out on your calendar—even if it’s for something as simple as stretching.
• Taking time off tech. If you ever wonder where the time goes, your Sunday screen time report might surprise you. People who take regular, weekly tech breaks not only tend to feel less stressed, but also find “more time” for family activities and exercise. It's also been reported to strengthen family bonds, boost creativity and improve sleep quality. So, consider having the family power down.

While these hacks might not solve all of your problems, we hope they can at least reduce stress, keep you healthier and help you “live in the moment” more during the week.

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