Weekend Like You Mean It: How to Make Time Off Actually Feel Restorative
February 4, 2025
Weekends always seem to slip away too fast. One minute, you’re wrapping up work on a Friday, and the next, it’s Sunday evening, and the weight of the week ahead starts creeping in. We all know the feeling—when your days off don’t feel off at all. But what if weekends weren’t just a break, but a reset? A chance to recharge, reset, and actually enjoy the time, instead of just waiting for Monday to come back around?
Making weekends feel longer and more meaningful isn’t about packing them full of plans or sticking to a rigid routine. It’s about being intentional with your time—whether that means embracing slow mornings, getting out of your usual surroundings, or simply creating space to do nothing without guilt.
Start with a True Reset
Too often, weekends feel short because they start with a crash—especially if the workweek was chaotic. Instead of spending Friday night mindlessly scrolling or zoning out in front of the TV (only to wonder where the evening went), try a reset routine:
- Do a quick tidy-up. Not a deep clean—just enough to clear the surfaces, fluff the pillows, and make your space feel fresh. Walking into a clutter-free living room on Saturday morning already sets the tone for a better weekend.
- Change the energy in your home. Open the windows, swap out your usual playlist, or rearrange a few things—small changes shift your mindset and help mark the start of a different rhythm.
- Make Friday night its own thing. Whether it’s a solo dinner you actually sit down for, a walk around your neighborhood, or a standing FaceTime with a friend, kicking off the weekend intentionally makes it feel longer.
Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
Weekends feel longer when they have a little variety. That doesn’t mean overloading yourself with plans—just giving yourself something outside the routine.
Make the most of shared spaces. If your apartment community has a pool, rooftop lounge, or coworking space, take advantage of it! Switching up your scenery without leaving home makes the weekend feel different from the week.
- Break the routine, even in small ways. If you always get coffee at home, walk to a café instead. If you usually watch Netflix at night, switch it up with a book or an evening walk. Small shifts create the feeling of “weekend mode.”
- Schedule social time—but only what feels good. A packed calendar isn’t always the answer. Be selective about plans that add energy rather than drain it.
Create a Sunday That Doesn’t Feel Like a Monday Warm-Up
Sundays tend to come with a sense of impending responsibility—meal prepping, laundry, mentally preparing for the week ahead. But that doesn’t mean they have to feel like an extension of Monday.
- Do the “Sunday chores” early. If you need to reset your space or prep for the week, get it out of the way in the morning so it doesn’t take over the whole day.
- Bookend the weekend with something enjoyable. A slow breakfast, a solo coffee run, a late-afternoon walk—something to mark the end of the weekend in a positive way.
- Redefine Sunday evenings. Instead of feeling like the fun is over, treat Sunday night as its own moment. Watch a comfort movie, take an everything shower, or cook something nice for yourself. The weekend isn’t over until you decide it is.
Home is Where You Recharge
No matter how busy or slow your weekend is, your space plays a role in how it feels. The more your home reflects what helps you unwind—whether that’s a cozy setup, plants that bring in some nature, or even a playlist that signals “weekend mode”—the easier it is to reset without needing to go anywhere.
Because at the end of the day, a great weekend isn’t about how much you do—it’s about how it feels.
So here’s to reclaiming weekends, making time off actually feel like time off, and giving yourself the break you deserve.
When you move into a new apartment, it’s a blank slate—neutral walls, standard finishes, and a layout that feels functional but not necessarily personal. It’s move-in ready, but it doesn’t quite feel like yours yet. The good news? It doesn’t take a full renovation to turn a space into something that reflects your style. The right décor choices can make all the difference, bringing warmth, personality, and a sense of home—without making any permanent changes. Start With the Senses Before thinking about furniture or décor, consider the overall feeling you want your home to have. Do you want a space that feels calm and relaxing? Energizing and creative? Cozy and inviting? The way a home feels isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about creating an experience through color, texture, and atmosphere. Soft textures like woven blankets, plush rugs, and linen curtains create a sense of comfort. Neutral tones make a space feel airy and open, while deeper, richer colors add warmth and coziness. Ambient lighting —from table lamps, floor lamps, or LED strip lights—helps set the mood, especially in the evening. Layering Textiles for Instant Warmth One of the easiest ways to transform an apartment is through textiles. A simple beige carpet can feel entirely different when layered with a patterned area rug. A basic couch instantly looks more inviting with textured throw pillows and a soft knit blanket. Even dining chairs can get a refresh with cushioned seat pads in a complementary color. Layering isn’t just about aesthetics—it also helps soften sound, making an apartment feel quieter and cozier. Thick curtains, for example, absorb noise while also adding a touch of elegance to a space. Artwork That Makes an Impact Blank walls can make an apartment feel temporary, but adding art—whether through framed prints, a gallery wall, or a statement piece—immediately makes the space feel intentional. Since traditional nails may not be an option, removable adhesive hooks or leaning large framed pieces against the wall are great alternatives. Oversized artwork creates a focal point in the living room or bedroom. Gallery walls let you mix and match different prints, photos, and frames for a collected look. Fabric wall hangings or tapestries add softness and texture, making the space feel layered and complete. Bringing Life to the Space with Greenery Plants are one of the most renter-friendly design choices because they instantly add warmth, color, and movement to a space. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, or succulents can thrive in an apartment setting. If you’re short on floor space, try: Hanging planters near windows. A small herb garden on the kitchen counter. A tall plant in an empty corner to add height and dimension to a room. Creating Functional & Stylish Storage Storage isn’t just about keeping things organized—it can also be a design element. Instead of hiding everything away, choose pieces that blend function with style: Decorative baskets for storing blankets or shoes. Floating shelves to display books, plants, or artwork. Storage ottomans that double as seating and a place to tuck away extra items. Small adjustments like these make a space feel more polished while also maximizing every square foot. Final Touches That Make a Space Feel Like Home At the end of the day, home isn’t about big renovations or major changes—it’s about the small, thoughtful details that make a space feel uniquely yours. Whether it’s a well-placed lamp, a woven throw on the couch, or framed photos that remind you of your favorite moments, the right décor choices bring warmth and personality into any apartment. And the best part? These tips grow with you, allowing your space to evolve as your style changes—making every apartment feel like home from the moment you walk in.
Wellness isn’t just a personal goal—it’s influencing how people structure their daily lives. Whether living in a spacious three-bedroom apartment or a cozy studio , wellness is about creating small, intentional habits that enhance well-being. While many apartment communities offer fitness centers, pools, and social spaces , there are plenty of ways to incorporate wellness—whether you’re using community amenities or creating routines that work for your space and lifestyle. Holistic Wellness: More Than Just Fitness Centers Wellness used to be synonymous with a gym membership, but today, it’s a whole-life approach that includes mental, social, and emotional well-being . If your community offers wellness-focused amenities, taking advantage of them can help support healthy routines. Ways to incorporate wellness into everyday life, no matter your space: Make use of shared wellness spaces – If your apartment community has a fitness center, pool, or outdoor lounge , incorporating these into your routine can provide variety and structure. Take advantage of the outdoors – A nearby park, walking path, or a morning stretch on your balcony can provide fresh air and movement. Create a peaceful retreat – Even in a small apartment, adding soft lighting, cozy textures, and plants can make a space feel calming and restorative. Hydration and nutrition matter too – Wellness starts from within, and something as simple as drinking more water, prepping healthy meals, or setting up a tea corner can create a mindful routine. Bringing Movement Into Daily Life Movement looks different for everyone, and fitness amenities—where available—can provide structured support. Whether you’re taking advantage of a fully equipped gym or working with a small space, there are plenty of ways to stay active: Utilize fitness centers – If your community has a gym, yoga studio, or weight room , try mixing up your workouts with different machines or on-demand fitness classes. Use the pool for low-impact movement – Swimming, water aerobics, or even stretching in the pool can be a great way to stay active without high-impact strain. At-home yoga or bodyweight workouts – No gym? No problem. Rolling out a mat in the living room can be just as effective as a structured workout. Get outside – Whether it’s a walking trail, a local park, or just a lap around the block , movement doesn’t have to be complicated. The Rise of Social Wellness Spaces Well-being isn’t just about individual habits—it’s also about connection . Whether through community-driven amenities or personal routines, social well-being plays a big role in overall happiness . Ways to prioritize social wellness, no matter where you live: Use shared spaces to connect – If your apartment community offers co-working lounges, social events, or wellness classes , they can be a great way to meet others while prioritizing self-care. Carve out time for connection – A coffee catch-up with a friend, a virtual yoga class, or simply texting someone you care about can make a big difference. Shared experiences in any setting – Whether it’s a movie night with roommates, a pet playdate at a nearby park, or attending a local event , finding moments to connect adds balance to daily life. Wellness Starts at Home A home should feel like a place to recharge, no matter the square footage . Small shifts can create an environment that supports daily well-being: Prioritize natural light – Open the blinds, rearrange your space to maximize sunlight, or add warm lighting for a cozy atmosphere. Reduce noise distractions – Noise-canceling headphones, white noise machines, or simple furniture placement can make even a busy space feel more peaceful. Mindful moments – Set up small rituals that feel good—like enjoying a slow morning with coffee, winding down with a book, or journaling at the end of the day. The Future of Wellness in Apartment Living Wellness isn’t about where you live—it’s about how you live . Whether through a fitness center, pool, community spaces, or personal daily habits , prioritizing well-being is something anyone can do, regardless of space or amenities . With wellness taking center stage, the future of apartment living isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a home environment that supports a balanced, fulfilling life .
At Avenue5, culture isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live, every single day. And for the eighth year in a row, we’re proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work®! This recognition is a testament to our Fivers—the people who bring passion, collaboration, and innovation into everything they do. Our culture is built on prioritizing our people, championing growth, and creating an environment where every associate feels valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. From the moments of teamwork that push us forward to the celebrations that bring us together, being a Fiver means being part of something bigger. It means embracing challenges, lifting each other up, and staying committed to excellence—not just for our clients and residents, but for one another. Thank you to every associate who makes Avenue5 a place where people love to work, grow, and thrive. Here’s to many more years of being all extra, no ordinary.
