How to have an emotionally intelligent weekend

“I know that you have worked hard all week, so I got you a little present. It's called Saturday & Sunday. I hope that you enjoy it, and put it to good use.” --Anthony T. Hincks

TGIF! Finally, it's Friday, and the weekend is just around the corner. You've been working hard all week, dealing with stress at the office, leading your teams, accomplishing goals. The thought of curling up on the couch, large bowl of snacks at hand, and relaxing while chain-watching your favorite show may sound like a very, very good idea.

And it very well may be. Weekends (for those of us who don't have to work weekends) are designed to give us a break - a refreshing, of sorts, of the mind, body, and spirit. Sometimes, at the end of the workweek, we just need to crash, unwind, and relax. But there are many other activities a weekend can hold which may provide even richer rejuvenation for you. Learning to tune into your feelings can help you design your weekend so it is specialty ordered, just for you.

“No weekend, all weakened.” -- Toba Beta

Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of how you and others are feeling -- in the moment -- then using that information (what you're feeling) to guide your decisions around behavior. Learning to listen to your feelings and manage your behavior can help you make choices that allow you to live a life teeming with emotional health and vibrancy. So though a TV-watching binge may just be the thing for you this weekend, consider tuning in to how you're feeling before you decide.

Check In

Take a moment to assess how you're feeling, in the moment. Grab your journal, find a quiet place, and stop. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply, then exhale. Do a body scan by assessing each region of your body and noting what you're feeling in each. Headache? Stiff neck? Tight shoulders? Stomach upset? Restless legs? Because we tend to carry a lot of our stress in our physical bodies, it's important to start noticing where you carry yours. Breathe in again, then out, and allow the exhale to quiet your racing mind. When you begin to feel a bit of calm, open your eyes and begin to write down all the emotions that you're experiencing. Be specific. For example, instead of saying you're "mad", it may truly be frustration, irritation, hurt, or disappointment. Instead of "happy", consider excited, giddy, nervous, or anticipatory. If you discover you're only writing negative emotions, also try to come up with a few positives, no matter how minute and hidden they may seem. Dig deep, again, mentally scanning each area of your body, and continue to jot down any new emotions you are feeling.

Recognizing how you're feeling in the moment is a good first step.

Ask yourself this

Now, using that information, here are a few questions to ask yourself which can help you discover which activities this weekend should hold for you:

• Am I mentally tired? Mental exhaustion comes from too many demands, shifts in attention, and interruptions, usually when we have too many things going on at once. To restore your mental well-being, try to 'turn off' work when you get home. Resist answering those emails that come in after hours and take the night off from working on that project. Find something that makes you laugh -- maybe a funny movie, or an entertainer that cracks you up, or hanging out with fun friends. Laughing can do wonders to release tired, negative energy.
• What impact has screen time had on my current mood? How much time have you spent staring at a screen this week? Most of us spend hours every day doing nothing but. Possibly it's not the content of what you've been viewing (work-related issues or what others are eating and doing socially) that's wearing you thin but the fact that it's all been delivered via screen. This weekend, consider laying down your phone for the evening, well before you go to sleep, and make a point to not pick it up as soon as your eyes open in the morning. Try spending a block of time tomorrow (2+ hours at least) not looking checking your phone -- longer, even, if you can. Taking breaks from our phones and computers can do wonders to lift our spirits.
• Have I moved my body this week? Exercise produces endorphins which are natural pain and stress fighters. If you've been relatively inactive, the weekend may be a great time to get some exercise in. Go on a hike, hit the gym, or take a class at the local rec center. Just getting out the door and taking a walk can positively impact your mental outlook.
• Am I tired -- or just bored? Sometimes we're truly worn out mentally -- but other times it's boredom, known as one of the enemies of happiness. To combat the rut of routine, try something new this weekend. Take a class. Try out a new restaurant. Drive down a road you've never taken before or visit a new museum or art gallery. Mixing up the routine can give you a psychological lift.
• How many spiritual moments did I have this week? Tapping into your spiritual self can broaden your perspective and drive you to seek meaningful connection with something larger than yourself. This results in positive emotions like gratitude, peace, and wonder. Spend some time in nature, go to church, take a meditation class, or engage in whatever it is that helps you feel connected to a higher power.
• Have I had meaningful social interactions this past week? All humans need positive relationships to thrive...even if you're an introvert! If your work keeps you isolated or you've had nothing but superficial conversations all week, the weekend may be the perfect time to connect on a deeper level. Attend or plan a small dinner party, meet a friend for coffee, spend quality time with your family, or attend a new social group activity. Spend more time asking questions than talking, with the purpose of understanding where the other person is coming from. On the other hand, if your job is an extroverts' dream, you may decide on some quiet, alone time this weekend.
• How much sleep have I gotten? Most adults need 7-9 hours a night to feel rested. You may get by on less. But if you've been skimping on this vital activity, you'll know it. Take some weekend time to darken those windows and get caught up. Go to bed early tonight. Turn off your screens well before bedtime and sleep in if you can. Relish an afternoon nap. Then do the same thing the next night. 
• How healthy were my food choices this week? Many who eat well during the week like to reserve the weekends for 'cheat days' -- where there are no limits on what is consumed -- it's the weekend, right? And though a few cheat days here and there don't seem to do a lot of damage, as long as your eating and drinking is not excessive, making good food choices can do wonders to boost your well-being. If last week's diet consisted of doughnuts and coffee, and the brownies the thoughtful coworker brought into the office, consider celebrating the weekend by eating healthy, nourishing foods instead. 
• What's one thing I can do for someone else this weekend? Research shows that doing something kind for another boosts our mood and levels of positivity. Think of someone who could use a kind word or encouragement. Give them a call, take them out to lunch, put together a care package and leave on their doorstep, or slip a $20 in an envelope and send anonymously. 
• What have I done lately that makes my heart sing? Do you even know what makes your heart sing? Ponder the activities make you feel giddy, excited, and happy--maybe it's ice skating, or checking out local art, or playing your guitar. Whatever it is, reserve some time this weekend for that activity.  
• How messy is my personal space? Using weekend time to declutter and organize can give you clarity and create space for new ideas and innovations. They say that making your bed each morning starts your day off on the right foot. What other areas of your life could use some cleaning up? If you despise cleaning and organizing, try inviting a friend to help and put on some fun, upbeat music while you work.
• How much time have I spent outside? Spending time outdoors can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Take a blanket down to the lake and relax in the sunshine, take a walk along a mountain trail, or dip your feet in the ocean. Open your windows and let the fresh breeze waft inside. And if you're getting hit with bad weather, bundle up and go sledding or build a snowman. 
• How have I used my creative juices this past week? Creativity reduces stress and anxiety and is a great way to boost your mood this weekend. Take a painting class, build something in the back yard, try a new recipe. Go thrift shopping to search for abandoned treasure. Tapping into your creative self, freely and expressively, can diminish self-doubt and creates a sense of contentment.

You may still decide to binge watch your favorite show this weekend. But before you plop onto the couch, consider these questions and alternate weekend activities to ensure you feel rested, refreshed and rejuvenated come Monday.