Written by Chrisandra Skipper
When I was in University, I would go to class Monday-Thursday and then head to work at Canadian Tire on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then after work on Sunday, I’d go over to the Church for Mass and to help with our high school ministry. It was busy during the week and on the weekend, but I did have a distinct difference between my week and my weekend.
Since we’ve begun working (and studying) from home since the start of the pandemic, I’ve noticed a giant blur between the week and the weekend. There is little to no difference between days, let alone a week or weekend! Not only does online class allow you more freedom in when you do your work or watch lectures, but with social distancing there are fewer social or family events that are usually set aside for the weekend.
The weekends are important and especially as Christians as we set aside Sunday, our Sabbath Day. But weekends are also important for rest, relaxation, connection with friends and family, and some fun! Early in the pandemic, I decided it was time to reclaim the weekend. I set boundaries and managed my expectations and made the weekends different. Here are a few ways you can do the same.
- Set Boundaries
You don’t need to set aside all school work or your job or chores completely from the weekend. But it is important to set boundaries as to how much of your time and energy you want to spend on those things.
It probably means being more productive and focused on getting school stuff done during the week. Maybe you need to clean your room or do chores on Friday mornings so it doesn’t need to happen on Saturday or Sunday.
- Manage your Expectations
What do you want from your weekend? Fun? Family? Friends? Rest? Prayer? Identify what you want from your weekends. No really. Do it right now. Write it down. For the next month, I want _________________________________ from my weekends.
- Brainstorm
There are pandemic-friendly things that you can do to make those expectations a reality. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Take a nice long walk outside.
- Make a special meal for the people in your home.
- Nap. Sleep in. Go to bed early.
- Read a weekend only, non-school book.
- Start a weekend puzzle.
- Host a Zoom-party for your friends. Let there be games!
- Start or work on a hobby… crochet, painting, needlepoint, whittling. Does anyone whittle anymore?
- Volunteer somewhere.
- Keep the Sabbath Holy
Bishop Fabbro recently extended dispensation for the Sunday Mass Obligation until Easter. This means that it is not a sin to stay home from Mass at this time. Mass is the highest form of prayer we can experience on this Earth, but there are many reasons that might keep you from Mass. Given the dispensation, it is okay if you are not comfortable returning yet. Going to Mass or not, I find it very important to set aside time on Sunday for some extra prayer. Maybe for you it means only Christian music or podcasts on Sundays. You could try reading the Sunday readings from home and praying through them. Whatever it is, set aside time for God – I promise you won’t regret it!
Head on over to our Facebook or Instagram to let us know how you’re reclaiming the weekend!