Weekends are often seen as a time for relaxation, fun, and rejuvenation. For many people, this means indulging in self-care activities, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a break from the demands of work or school. However, what is often overlooked is the impact weekends can have on our mental health.
In today’s fast-paced society, where we are constantly bombarded with responsibilities and pressures, weekends can serve as a crucial period to recharge and prioritize our mental well-being. Here are a few reasons why taking care of your mental health on weekends is so important:
1. Stress Relief: The accumulation of stress throughout the week can take a toll on our mental health. Taking time on the weekends to relieve stress through activities like exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and promote overall well-being.
2. Work-Life Balance: Many individuals struggle with achieving a healthy work-life balance, often leading to burnout. Weekends offer a chance to disconnect from work-related tasks and obligations, allowing for quality time with family, friends, or pursuing personal passions. This balance is essential in maintaining good mental health, as it helps us find fulfillment beyond our professional lives.
3. Reflection and Self-Reflection: Weekdays can be busy and chaotic, leaving little time for reflection or self-reflection. Weekends offer an opportunity to slow down, evaluate our goals, assess our emotional state, and make any necessary adjustments. Engaging in self-reflection helps us gain clarity and perspective, ultimately contributing to our mental well-being.
4. Social Connection: Human connection is vital for our mental health. Weekends provide an opportunity to foster and strengthen relationships with loved ones. Whether it’s spending quality time with family or catching up with friends, socializing can boost our mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and improve overall mental well-being.
5. Fulfilling Personal Needs: Neglecting our own needs and desires can have a negative impact on our mental health. Weekends give us the chance to engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. It could be as simple as reading a book, going for a walk in nature, or trying out a new hobby. Prioritizing our personal needs on weekends helps us maintain a positive mindset and fosters self-compassion.
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealthIf you’d like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here’s the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub
To make the most of weekends for your mental health, it’s essential to set boundaries and create a routine that supports your well-being. Here are a few tips to get started:
– Disconnect from work-related emails or tasks during the weekend.
– Engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy and find relaxing.
– Prioritize sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule.
– Spend quality time with loved ones and nurture meaningful relationships.
– Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
– Set realistic expectations and avoid overcommitting yourself.
By consciously incorporating these practices into your weekends, you can significantly improve your mental health and overall quality of life.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
