The Anatomy Of The Perfect Friday Night
[contributed post] What does the perfect Friday night look like to you? It’s a question that’s been knocking around the old noggin recently.
Fridays are actually the start of the weekend. When the clock strikes five, work is over and you suddenly have a feeling of space and freedom. Finally, what you do with your time is your choice.
Even so, Friday evenings can easily go to waste. Instead of being an opportunity, we turn them into something they were never designed to be.
So what does a great Friday night actually look like? Glad you asked!
Good Company
Human beings thrive in the presence of good company. When we’re in a close, low-conflict loving relationship or out with friends, it enlivens our spirits on every level.
For instance, having the right people around us improves our health. We’re less likely to suffer as a result of illness if we have people we love around us.
It also changes our outlook on life. We’re more likely to vibrate at a higher level, something that we can carry with us for the rest of the weekend.
So next time Friday night rolls around, go out and spend time with others. Laugh and have fun. It’s essential.
Go On A TV Show Marathon
Going on TV or a drama marathon is another way to spend Friday night if you feel like cuddling up on the couch under mountains of blankets. Watch Romance at the Vineyard for the feel-good factor, or something gritty, like Game of Thrones, for thrills. Even better, invite your friends over to enjoy the experience with you. Make it a social event.
Indulge A Hobby
You might also use Friday nights to indulge in a hobby. Doing something just because you love doing it takes you out of work mode and plants you squarely back in your true self.
It doesn’t actually matter what the hobby is. You could go to the gym, spend time gardening, or indulge in a craft. If you’ve been fighting with your boss all week, indulge in something that gets you into a state of flow. Find an outlet that lets you forget the world for a while and engage with what’s right in front of you.
Spend Time Relaxing Or Practicing Mindfulness
Spending time relaxing and practicing mindfulness is another excellent way to spend your Friday nights. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can buffer you against the stress of the week. These practices give you the space you need to unwind and release the tension from your body.
Use whatever approach makes you feel most comfortable. The key is to let go of the mind’s racing thoughts and allow the body to relax and recover from its stressors.
Spend Time Reading
Another excellent way to use Friday night is for reading time. Spending time delving into a good book stimulates your mind and helps you unwind. You could read a great novel, a non-fiction self-help book, or even a spiritual text. Reading draws you into the activity deeply, putting your mind at ease and helping you feel substantially more relaxed.
Go To A Virtual Hangout
If meeting up with friends isn’t possible for you, you could go and attend a virtual hangout. Getting everyone together on a video call can be fun and gives you social connections that make you feel less lonely, particularly if you have nothing waiting for you when you get home, other than a studio apartment.
Go To The Spa
Another option is to make Friday nights a spa night. Going for a massage and getting your nails done after a long week is one of the best ways to motivate yourself. It also makes the weekend even more tantalizing.
Going to the spa is about more than just indulging yourself. It’s also a profoundly soul-awakening experience. It puts you back in touch with your body and may even be detoxifying.
Strive For Outdoor Adventure
If you’ve been in the city all week, using Friday nights to explore nature is a great idea. Outdoor adventures remind you what the real world is really like, outside the office.
Always plan your adventures in advance. Check what the weather will be like well in advance and then plan your trip. Go hiking, sailing, swimming in a local lake, or whatever else it is you need to do to get back to basics. Even something as simple as going out into your backyard and staring at the stars for the evening can have a profound effect on your well-being.
