Happy Weekend

 

The upcoming weekend, from Good Friday to Easter Sunday and beyond, promises to be a long one. I remember talking to a young relative about how he planned to spend this extended break. He seemed to have detailed plans for it. Our conversation and his plans made me think about writing this blog.

Weekends are special breaks from our routine busy lives. They let us recharge, relax, and enjoy things which we love to do. But many times, these special breaks just pass by without us getting to relax and enjoy them. How to ensure that we make the most of these small relaxing breaks? Let us look at some simple tips..

Think ahead: Before the weekends, take a few minutes to brainstorm what kind of weekend you want. Do you crave relaxation, adventure, or catching up with loved ones? Having a rough schedule helps you structure your free time without feeling overwhelmed.

Schedule "me time": Don't jam-pack your weekend with activities. Block out time for pure relaxation, whether it's settling down with a good book, taking a long nap, or soaking in a warm bath. Let your mind and body unwind.

Unplug from work: Resist the urge to check work emails or answer work calls. This disrupts your relaxation time and keeps you tied to your job. Let your colleagues and clients know you'll be unavailable.

 

Move your body: Exercise is a magic pill for both mood and energy levels. Aim for some additional exercise on weekends. Go for a brisk walk, take a dance class, or hit the gym – find something you enjoy!

Eat healthy, feel great: It's easy to indulge in unhealthy treats on weekends, but resist the temptation. Nourish your body with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You'll feel energized and ready to tackle anything.

Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Being well-rested makes a world of difference in your weekend enjoyment. Relaxing bedtime routines like a warm bath or reading a book can help you drift off peacefully.

 

Nature is your friend: Studies show that spending time outdoors boosts mental and physical health. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike in the woods, or simply sit outside and soak up the fresh air. Let nature work its magic on you.

Spend time with loved ones: Schedule quality time with family and friends. Catch up over a casual dinner, plan a fun outing together, or simply enjoy each other's company. Strengthen your bonds and create lasting memories.

Don't be afraid to say no: It's okay to decline invitations if you're feeling overloaded or just need some alone time. You can't please everyone all the time, so prioritize your own well-being.

 

Be present: Disconnect from your phone and computer more often. Put them away and focus on the people and experiences around you. Savor the present moment and truly enjoy your free time.

Do what makes you happy: Whether it's painting, playing music, reading comics, or gardening, make time for activities that bring you joy and a sense of fulfillment. Pursue your passions and let your creativity flow.

Try something new: Step outside your comfort zone and explore a new hobby or activity. You never know what hidden talents or passions you might discover!

Embrace spontaneity: Leave some room for unplanned adventures. A last-minute movie night with friends or a surprise picnic in the park can add excitement to your weekend.

 

Create a weekend ritual: Establish a relaxing or fun activity you do every weekend. It could be a morning bike ride, a movie night with popcorn, or a board game marathon with family. Rituals create a sense of comfort and anticipation.

Don't sweat the small stuff: Weekends are for unwinding, not stressing about minor details. Let go of perfectionism and embrace the simple joys of free time.

Remember, your weekends are yours to design. By following these tips and incorporating activities you love, you can turn those precious free days into mini-vacations that leave you feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to conquer the week ahead. Make the most of your weekend – you deserve it!

The content made available in this article is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, it should not be considered as a substitute for professional consultation.

About the Author

Back To Basics

 

Having started our practice in the early 1990s, my brother and I have several times over the past 34 years reviewed our processes/practices and have gone “Back to Basics”.

We started our career together in Accounting and Taxation. My brother, exploring new opportunities, transitioned into an insurance and investment advisor.

In 'Accounting,' the basics involved manual bookkeeping, accounting, and using an 8-digit or a 10-digit calculator. Eventually, computerization and accounting ERP software packages took over. Regarding the accounting aspect of our practice, 'back to basics' meant solidifying the core skills that ensure financial accuracy. This involved mastering double-entry bookkeeping, understanding debits and credits, creating financial statements, meticulous record-keeping, and prioritizing accuracy. While staying updated on regulations is important, a strong grasp of these fundamentals empowers accountants to navigate the complexities of the profession with confidence.

In 'Taxation,' the basics involved manually filling and submitting tax forms, poring through several pages of books containing case laws and clarifications, and visiting tax offices for even basic interactions with tax officers. Eventually, tax software, utilities, online tax return submissions, and virtual tax hearings (due to COVID-19) became the norm. With respect to the Taxation aspect of our practice, 'back to basics' meant focusing on the fundamental principles that ensure accurate returns and keep clients compliant. This included shoring up knowledge of tax provisions and regulations, mastering tax calculations, prioritizing accurate record-keeping for clients, and strengthening communication skills.

Back to basics is a concept that encourages a return to the fundamental aspects of something. Back to basics learning emphasizes foundational knowledge and building strong skills.

The idea behind going back to basics is that a strong foundation is essential for building something sustainable and successful. By focusing on the core elements, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It can be applied to many areas of life for instance everyday living and cooking.

We started this blog with how “back to basics” worked for our professional career in Accounting and Taxation.

If we were to apply this approach to our everyday lives and cooking, here's how it would likely manifest.

Everyday living:

In our fast-paced world, back to basics means simplifying our routine. This could involve de-cluttering your home, setting regular sleep schedules, and focusing on spending quality time with loved ones.

De-clutter your space - Sort through belongings and discard anything unused or broken. This creates a calmer and more organized environment.

Prioritize sleep - Establish regular sleep and wake up times for better sleep quality. Feeling well-rested improves focus and mood.

Connect with loved ones - Dedicate time for activities with family and friends. Strong social connections contribute to overall well-being.

Cooking

Back to basics cooking emphasizes fresh, whole ingredients and simple techniques. It's about enjoying the natural flavors of food and rediscovering the pleasure of cooking from scratch.

Embrace fresh ingredients - Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. They're naturally nutritious and flavorful.

Master basic techniques - Learn skills like roasting, baking, and sauteing. Simple methods can create delicious and healthy meals.

Rediscover the joy of cooking - Take pleasure in the process of preparing food. It can be a relaxing and creative activity.

To sum up, by embracing a back-to-basics approach, we can cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling life, whether it's in our personal spaces or professional endeavors.

The content made available in this article is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, it should not be considered as a substitute for professional consultation. 

About the Author