Weekends are meant to be enjoyed in a relaxing way. It is during weekends that one is supposed to pause, reflect on life and basically do a “reset.” Also, remember the lost art of smelling the flowers, because life is already too hard and fast as it is. Pausing to smell the flowers doesn’t require much, if we are being honest. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that bring the most joy. I decided to come up with a list of ten simple ways to brighten your Saturday or Sunday, all for free.
1. Take a sunrise (or lazy morning) walk
For two years now, I have never missed my morning run. What started as me trying to lose weight brought with it some deep realisations. Within no time I came to the realisation that the morning run was helping me in ways no therapist ever could. It was the time for mediating and thinking about my life decisions. During these runs, I came up with brilliant ideas that I am prone to believe would never have happened otherwise. I get clarity on my morning run and the morning sweat that comes afterwards is only but a bonus to my skin.
But on Saturday, on Saturday I simply step outside, breathe deeply and notice the world waking up. It is like watching the world in slow motion trying to get the hang of things. I put on my running shoes, only this time it is a slow walk, smiling back at strangers and generally just enjoying the morning breeze. It does wonders to my health, and I suggest you start doing this as well on weekends.
2. Create a weekend playlist
You have probably heard of the saying, “music is food for the soul.” A phrase that captures how music nourishes us emotionally, much like food nourishes the body. We listen to music when we are sad and listen to music when we are happy. We play music at funerals and play music at weddings. Have you ever stopped for a second and wondered what life would be like without music? Regardless of whatever part of the world you are in, music will bring you healing, lift your moods and even help you grieve or celebrate.
“Where words fail, music speaks.”
Build a soundtrack that matches your mood. Want some energy boost? Play amapiano or afrobeats. Or are you in the mood for some tears? Play a bit of Mbosso. Are you in the mood for some good vibes? Then play Kenyan music, especially urban tone. Or good old blues if you just want to lazy around.
3. Write a note to your future self
I learnt this for a friend and for some reason it stuck with me. Take a few minutes to write a short letter to the “you” of next month or next year. It could even be a letter to yourself next weekend. Write down your aspirations and check them out a year later. Share what you’re feeling today. Or emphasize on your hopes and the small things you’re grateful for. When you revisit it later, you’ll see how much perspective you’ve gained and how far you’ve grown. It’s a gentle reminder that progress often happens quietly, one weekend at a time. Future-you will thank you.
4. Refresh a corner of your home
You might find this hard to believe, but simple gestures like rearranging a chair, swapping out a plant or tidying up a small nook could shift your energy in unimaginable ways. Change things up a bit. Bring in that house plant you have been thinking of for a while now.
5. Indulge in a slow breakfast
I did warn you in the heading. Tiny ways. Try it out one of these days and see if your spirits won’t be lifted. After a hectic week of gulping down your coffee so as not to be late for work, or drinking it in the car while trying to maneuver the crazy morning traffic jams, sitting down with your cup of tea, coffee, or porridge would do wonders for you. Add the chapatis and maandazis or sausages. Heck, add the githeri if you want.
6. Reconnect with someone you miss
In my head, I always text back. Only to realise two days later that I actually did not. I never come around to calling the people I need to, something that my mom used to complain of a lot. So, I came up with the solution to this. After I am back from my lazy morning walk and have had my bountiful breakfast, I send a quick “thinking of you” message to the person i have been thinking of and make whatever calls i’ve been putting off the whole week.
7. Read something short and beautiful
It could be a poem or an essay. It could be some motivational quote somewhere. Whatever it is, allow the words to shift your perspective.
8. Try a phone-free hour
In an era where everyone is addicted to their phones, please try and spend at least 2 hours every weekend without your phone. You will realise there is more to this world than TikTok and emails. Step away from the scroll and notice how quiet and freeing it feels.
9. Dance like nobody’s watching
Whether it’s in your kitchen or bedroom, moving to music is instant joy. Free yourself and dance like it’s your last day on earth. Even David, God’s favorite human being and one of the best kings to have ever ruled, danced for the Lord in sackcloth like a mad man. So “whomst” are you to not dance? It is after all, 2025, where everybody is a queen and king. Dancing like the king then, shouldn’t be a problem, right?
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
10. Watch the sunset
Opacarophile is a word derived from the Latin phrase opacare (sunset/dusk) + phile (lover of). It’s a coined word used in modern contexts to mean “a lover of sunsets.”
I am a certified sunset enthusiast. A lover of golden hours if you may. Ever since I can remember, I have always chased sunsets. They make me happy and calm and remind me that this life is not forever and that tomorrow is not guaranteed. For some weird reason I can’t really explain, sunsets make me feel free and alive (I say weird because isn’t that what sunrise is supposed to do, make you feel alive, and not sunsets?).
I may be biased, sunsets are after all, my favorite ritual, but trust me, there’s no better way to close a weekend.
From one opacarophile to another, may your weekend end in golden light.
