As the days get shorter and the sun sets earlier, it’s easy to wrap up a long day of work or classes and park it on the couch for a 5-to-9 Netflix binge. While nights like this are needed sometimes, it’s also important to discover fulfilling weeknight activities to break away from the “workin’ for the weekend” mindset. According to United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, finding time in your day to do something you enjoy can reduce stress and provide a healthy amount of challenge. And while you don’t have to commit to picking up a full-blown hobby or uncovering a new passion, giving one (or a few!) of these after-work activities might help bring a little more joy into your routine.
Get Lost in a Good Book
When was the last time you read something just for fun? Check out for a few hours and get lost in the latest romance novel or mystery thriller. You can pick up a book anytime, anywhere, and it’s simple to apply for a free library card from the Madison Public Library.
Bring a social element – and hold yourself accountable to finishing your read – by inviting some friends or colleagues to start a book club. Keep it as low-key as you want, but getting together for snacks, drinks, and good conversation is always a good idea.
Exercise Your Green Thumb
Repeat after me: House plants don’t have to be scary. A little Googling goes a long way to help you find out which indoor plants will thrive in your environment. Treat yourself to a beautiful pot, and if you’re a newcomer to the plant scene, pick out something from the greenhouse that’s easy to care for. You’ll see how fulfilling it can be to nurture something and watch it grow.
Make Dinner a Big Deal
Usually weeknight dinners are focused on ease, but there’s something special about pouring your heart and soul into cooking a new, delicious recipe – one that requires a few more steps than the usual Instant Pot meal. Buy your ingredients beforehand and spend the night preparing a meal. Set the table, light a candle, put your phone on silent for a bit, and revel in a five-star dining experience.
Join a Sports League
Getting in a good sweat after the workday has so many benefits, but hitting the gym isn’t the only option. Check out local athletic clubs or other organizations that sponsor a sports league or club. From volleyball to badminton, a noncompetitive league is low stakes yet helps you get out of the house, meet new people, and blow off steam after a long day.
While it may be far-fetched to expect your Mondays to feel just like Saturdays, sprinkling in intentional, joyful activities into your daily routine can take your weeknights from monotonous to a bit more remarkable.
Written by Audrey Meis
