We can get super busy and forget to look after ourselves during the work week. When you have time off, it’s important to relax and do some self care activities. Performing self care during the weekend will make you feel refreshed and improve your overall well-being. In addition, self care practices have been associated with rises in confidence and self-esteem, as well as increased work performance. The evidence is clear: it’s best to take some time for yourself. Do some things you enjoy and don’t worry about being productive. It will help you do better work in the long run. Wondering what sorts of activities to do during your downtime? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to some self care activities you can do on the weekend.
Stay in Touch With Friends and Family
If you’re an expat living and working in Japan, it can be easy to fall out of touch with friends and family back home. Take some time on your days off to catch up with them. Schedule a FaceTime or Zoom call with your parents. Scroll through social media to see what your friends have been up to. Reply to any messages you didn’t get to during the week. Connecting with the people you love is a key part of maintaining mental health. It’s important to check in with your family and friends even when you’re busy. Sometimes, caring for yourself means caring for others. Reaching out to your loved ones is likely to put a smile on their faces and make them feel good.
Go to an Onsen or Spa
Take some time during the weekend to get pampered. There are plenty of onsen in Japan where you can treat your skin to a spring water bath. If you have tattoos or are uncomfortable bathing with strangers, some onsen have private baths that you can reserve. There are also a variety of other spa treatments in Japan. You can get skincare treatments like akasuri, an exfoliating treatment. Feeling adventurous? Try an unusual spa treatment, such as a snail facial. Sore muscles? Plenty of Japanese spas offer massages. You can also get massages at chiropractic clinics. Chiropractic treatments tend to be best for people who are recovering from injuries, but those with sore necks are welcome too.
Reorganize your Home
Your house might get a little messy during the busy work week. Take some time during the weekend to do some housework. Do laundry, dust, vacuum, and change your sheets. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead. You can also buy some new decor or organizers and spruce up your place a bit. If you’re into home improvement projects, you can go beyond tidying up. Try building some furniture from scratch or sewing some new curtains. You can also replace your doorknobs and pulls with more stylish ones, swap out your light fixtures, or repaint. Just make sure to clear any big changes with your landlord first.
Enjoy Nature
There’s a lot of gorgeous nature to be enjoyed in Japan. Don’t spend the weekend cooped up in your apartment. It’s good to get out of the city and connect with the natural wonders of the world. Even if you live in Tokyo or Osaka, there’s plenty of natural beauty in neighboring rural prefectures. You can go hiking, take some photos, and if you’re lucky, see some wildlife. If you have the energy to, consider going camping during the weekend. Some great places to go camping near Tokyo include Nagatoro Auto Camp, Kanotoen Campground, and Kouan Campsite.
Volunteer
Helping others can make you feel good. If you’ve got some time to spare during the weekend, consider volunteering as a way of caring for both yourself and others. It can be hard to find the time to volunteer if you’re a full time worker, but some organizations are happy just to have you around on your days off. Common causes that people in Japan volunteer for include helping the elderly, educating children, and disaster relief. Most organizations require volunteers to be at least conversational in Japanese, but there are a few run by and for the expat community where you can volunteer solely speaking English.
Do Something Creative
Work can get a bit boring sometimes. If you’ve been out of touch with your creative side, we suggest doing some fun activities that engage it. Give drawing or painting a try. If colored pencils and watercolors aren’t your thing, give photography a whirl. Alternatively, you can pick up knitting, crocheting, or sewing. With some time, effort, and lots of practice, you’ll be able to make your own clothes. Whatever activity you choose, make sure to harness your creativity from time to time. Having a creative hobby offers you many benefits, such as boosting your mood, improving your confidence, and connecting you with like minded people.
