On weekdays, we are busy with work, relationships, housework, etc., and stress and fatigue build up without us even realizing it. Have you ever ended your weekend feeling exhausted and just staring at your smartphone in bed, only to regret on Monday morning that you should have gotten more rest? “Strategic refreshment” is necessary to make the most of your holidays and reset your mind and body. This time, we will introduce recommended ways to refresh yourself on the weekend without building up stress.
The concept of ``active rest’’ is extremely effective for recovering from mental and physical fatigue. Rather than just sleeping around, this is a way to move your body lightly to improve blood flow and eliminate fatigue substances. The easiest way to do this is to take a walk in nature (green exercise). Try walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes in a place with greenery and water, such as a nearby park or along a river. By being exposed to the sights and sounds of nature and being exposed to sunlight, serotonin (the happy hormone) is secreted, which clears the clouds in your head.
It is also important to incorporate “digital detox.” Modern people’s brains are constantly exposed to vast amounts of information from smartphones and are exhausted from processing information. Even if it’s just for half a day on the weekend, turn off your phone or turn off notifications and put it in a drawer. Then, take time to relax and read a book at your favorite cafe, or effortlessly prepare a time-consuming meal, or simply focus on the one thing in front of you. It relieves brain fatigue and puts you in a state of mindfulness.
We also recommend going to an ``extraordinary large bath’’ such as a sauna or public bath. By soaking in a large bath, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, resulting in a deep relaxing effect.
Weekends are a day to get rid of fatigue, but at the same time, they are also a day to get in a good mood. Find a refreshing method that suits you and recharge your energy to work hard again from Monday.