How do you balance work and play at the weekend?

I don't have a strategy per se, but something I've learned is that a most things can wait and I shouldn't beat myself up if I'm enjoying my personal time, especially at the weekend. Switching off is hard, I used to get anxious if I went out or away for a weekend and didn't take my laptop "just in case anything happened" but it's like anything, if you do it once and realise that the world didn't end, you'll feel more comfortable the next time. So in the words of Shia LaBeouf "just do it".

There is no balance for me. I always find a way to turn work into play. No matter what it is, make it a challenge you won to win and anything can be a game.

@abadesi It's harder to balance that because I work remotely and have flexible hours, which means there's always work to do. Usually,​ I make plans for Sat evenings or Sun afternoons with my friends—try something new (either we go exploring inside the city, or sometimes outside, go on a trek, go to the beach). I also use a good chunk of Sat to clean, organize my room, catch up on my hobbies, tend to my plants ... things that involve movement and zero screen time. I use Sunday nights to plan my upcoming work week. Sometimes though, gotta work on weekends. During such times, I start the day with a good energizing workout, make sure to take short breaks the moment I notice I'm not being productive (either take a walk or start cleaning things). I still feel pretty overwhelmed sometimes, but try to stick to this schedule.

I "use" my kids as accountability buddies. No work on Saturdays. No matter what. I had a couple of times where it was very difficult, but I kept to it. The best way to keep to this, is to not turn on the laptop. I often read on Saturday's or plan things to do with the kids. I do some work on Sunday afternoon.

Ugh I don't do very good at balancing...

Thanks Abadesi, That's an actual question, because the weekend is so close 😃 Personally, I do time sharing. For example, I plan to work from 12 till 5 on Saturday. Even if feel tired and not productive I focus on different work assignments during this time and avoid FB, 9Gag, etc. And after 5pm I stop and go have some fun. Usually it works, but sometimes it's not. Working on discipline is hard for me, but the struggle continues 😃

Great question! I actually look at my week as 7 days, no weekend. Depending on the week, I spend doing whatever I feel like doing...movie, book, groceries, time with friends, etc. I time block my availability based on what I'm working on. At the moment that means biz calls on Saturdays and Sundays. Each day, I make time for me time...an hour or 2 that's something energizing for me. At the beginning of the year, my schedule will change again.

I like to save one project for the weekend, rather than multiple projects. If you try to go after your never ending to-do list on the weekend, it will feel more like another work day. By doing one project, I feel like there is a defined start and end time for the project and it makes doing work less stressful on the weekend.s

I leave my phone at home when I am out for a walk with the dog, having dinner with my family or reading a good book - helps me avoid the temptations of being 'on'.

With me it's pretty simple. From Monday to Friday, I spend everyday at work and overtime 2 hours each night after dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, morning till afternoon, I will try to get all the personal, family matters done. I set me free on both evening. Time for friends, hobbies and build motivation for another week :D

Time management, simply because as long as we take too much time to work there is a possibilities to become pressure that's why for me we must take advantage and think about ourselves which we can play for a while and take every single day as a worthy day, Work is work and play is play

Recently I started picking up hobbies that involve using both my hands. I picked up knitting. Something long term to work on and doesn’t need digital. Also just making plans!

Generally for myself I do a variety of different things... take screen off days, play pickup basketball, spend time with family and friends and explore the city I'm working in (either Seattle or London). There's so much to explore in the city I am living in... and it inspires me a lot!