# How to actually rest on weekends

> A happiness researcher reveals why treating your weekend like a vacation makes you happier and more present.
- Title: How to actually rest on weekends · Psychologies | Shortify
- Summary: A happiness researcher reveals why treating your weekend like a vacation makes you happier and more present. Adopt a vacation mindset on weekends by…
- Keywords: cassie holmes, happiness research, weekend rest, vacation mindset, work-life balance, burnout prevention, time management, psychological wellbeing, leisure, mindfulness, actually, rest
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/moi/se-connaitre/bonheur/Une-chercheuse-specialiste-du-bonheur-lexplique-votre-week-end-vous-repose-beaucoup-mieux-lorsquil-est-organise-de-cette-facon-586959
- Author: Louise Leboyer
- Published: 2026-09-18T16:04:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cassie holmes, happiness research, weekend rest, vacation mindset, work-life balance, burnout prevention, time management, psychological wellbeing, leisure, mindfulness
## We're wasting our weekends
Most workers pile unfinished tasks into their weekends, turning them into a continuation of work rather than actual rest. This prevents our minds from truly recovering.
## Weekends feel like work
Cassie Holmes, a happiness researcher, found that we treat weekends like scheduled workdays with chores to complete. This keeps our brains in work mode instead of rest mode.

> People associate vacations with a pause. Our weekends tend to be a routine where we chain activities together.
## The vacation mindset study
In 2017, Holmes studied over 400 American workers. Those who treated their weekend as a vacation showed more satisfaction, did less housework, and were more present during activities.
## Protect Saturday for pleasure
Reserve Saturday for relaxation and enjoyable activities. Move chores to Sunday instead. This creates a clear break from routine and signals to your brain that you're on a break.
## Micro-vacations work
You don't need to travel to feel vacation benefits. Simply reframing your weekend as a mini-vacation lets you experience vacation happiness without taking extra time off.

> When used wisely, this simple reframing lets you enjoy part of vacation happiness without taking additional time off.
## Rest is not weakness
Psychology professor Andrea Bonior emphasizes that taking breaks is physically, emotionally, and mentally necessary. Every pause from work deserves to be valued and protected.

> Taking time off is not a sign of weakness. We need it physically, emotionally and mentally.
## Key takeaway

Adopt a vacation mindset on weekends by protecting Saturday for relaxation and moving chores to Sunday, which increases satisfaction and presence without taking extra time off.