Work Hard, Rest Smart
Does Hard Work During the Week Mean I Can Give Up on the Weekends? NO! And Also… Yes. “Giving up” is a tough phrase. Instead, let’s reframe it: how about we say “give ourselves some grace”? Here is how to work hard, rest smart!
So, does working hard all week mean you can give yourself some grace on the weekend? Absolutely. In fact, embracing this balance is key to long-term well-being. One of the best approaches is the 80/20 rule: spend at least 80% of your time and energy doing what’s best for your body and mind, and allow the remaining 20% (or less) to be a little more flexible. This philosophy applies to nutrition, exercise, and even mental health.
If you’ve been keeping it all together mentally during the week – juggling work, family, and responsibilities – then yes, you deserve a break. Whether that means sleeping in, spending some time alone, enjoying a hobby, or just having a good cry, give yourself permission to recharge.
Nutrition is foundational, and while weekends can feel like a green light to indulge, it’s still important to fuel your body with what it needs. If most of your “20%” indulgence falls on Saturday and Sunday, that’s okay! Just be mindful that your body still needs nutrients to function at its best. Greasy, fried foods every day might feel satisfying in the moment, but it can be harder to bounce back come Monday. Try to keep at least some healthy meals in the mix.
When it comes to exercise, consistency wins. If you’ve crushed it all week with daily workouts or strength training, your body might need a slower pace on the weekend, and that’s perfectly fine. Just don’t fall into a full stop. Taking one day off? No problem. Taking two days off may make the third day harder to start moving again. Even light activity like walking, gardening, swimming, or a round of golf helps keep your body in motion without demanding too much.
The bottom line? Work hard, rest smart! Don’t waste your hard work from the week. Instead, honor it by giving yourself grace, not permission to give up. Rest, refuel, and relax, AND still take care of the body and mind you worked so hard to support!
