10 things successful people always do on the weekend, according to psychology

Weekends aren’t just for relaxing—they’re also a great opportunity to set yourself up for success. How we spend our time off can have a big impact on our productivity, mindset, and overall well-being.

Successful people know this, and they use their weekends wisely. They don’t just lounge around aimlessly; they make intentional choices that help them recharge, refocus, and stay ahead.

The good news? You don’t have to be a CEO or millionaire to follow their lead. Psychology shows that certain weekend habits can boost happiness, reduce stress, and improve performance.

Here are 10 things successful people always do on the weekend—and how you can start doing them too.

1) They plan ahead

Successful people don’t just wake up on Saturday and figure things out as they go. They take time to plan their weekends in advance, making sure to balance rest, personal growth, and fun.

Psychology tells us that having a plan reduces stress and increases follow-through. When you know what you want to accomplish—whether it’s meeting friends, exercising, or tackling a personal project—you’re more likely to actually do it.

But this doesn’t mean filling every minute with tasks. The key is intentionality. Instead of letting the weekend slip away, successful people decide ahead of time how they want to spend it.

2) They make time for hobbies

A few years ago, I found myself stuck in a cycle of working hard all week and then spending my weekends doing… well, nothing. I’d scroll on my phone, binge-watch shows, and tell myself I was “relaxing.” But by Sunday night, I never felt recharged—just restless.

That’s when I decided to pick up an old hobby: playing guitar. I started setting aside just an hour or two each weekend to play, and it made a huge difference. Suddenly, my weekends felt more fulfilling, and I noticed I was more creative and energized during the week.

Psychologists say hobbies help reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function. Successful people know this, which is why they make time for activities that bring them joy—whether it’s painting, hiking, cooking, or something else entirely.

3) They prioritize rest

Many people think success comes from working non-stop, but the truth is, rest is just as important as effort. In fact, sleep deprivation has been shown to reduce productivity, weaken decision-making skills, and even lower emotional intelligence.

That’s why successful people make sure to recharge over the weekend. They get enough sleep, take breaks, and allow themselves to slow down without guilt. Instead of seeing rest as wasted time, they recognize it as fuel for the week ahead.

Rest isn’t just about sleep, either. It can mean unplugging from work emails, spending quiet time alone, or simply doing nothing for a while. The key is giving both the body and mind a chance to reset.

4) They spend quality time with loved ones

Successful people know that strong relationships are just as important as professional achievements. That’s why they use their weekends to connect with family and friends, strengthening the bonds that keep them grounded and motivated.

Studies show that spending time with loved ones can lower stress, increase happiness, and even improve overall health. Whether it’s having a meal together, going for a walk, or simply catching up over the phone, these moments of connection help create a sense of balance and fulfillment.

No matter how busy life gets, truly successful people make sure their weekends include time for the people who matter most.

5) They get outside

Spending time outdoors isn’t just refreshing—it has real benefits for mental and physical health. Research shows that being in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve focus and creativity.

That’s why successful people make an effort to step outside on the weekends. Whether it’s going for a hike, taking a walk in the park, or just sitting in the sun with a book, they know that fresh air and natural surroundings help reset the mind.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a short time outdoors can help recharge your energy and give you a fresh perspective for the week ahead.

6) They reflect on the past week

Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the constant cycle of work, responsibilities, and distractions. But successful people take time on the weekend to pause and reflect. They think about what went well, what could have been better, and what they want to improve moving forward.

Reflection isn’t about dwelling on mistakes—it’s about growth. It’s about recognizing progress, learning from challenges, and making small adjustments to create a better future.

Taking even a few minutes to look back on the week can bring clarity and direction. It helps you celebrate wins, learn from setbacks, and enter Monday with a renewed sense of purpose.

7) They set goals for the week ahead

There was a time when Mondays felt overwhelming, like I was constantly playing catch-up before the week had even begun. No matter how much I got done, I always felt behind. But that changed when I started using my weekends to set small, intentional goals for the days ahead.

Successful people don’t just let the week happen to them—they plan for it. They take time over the weekend to think about what they want to accomplish, both personally and professionally. It’s not about rigid schedules or unrealistic to-do lists; it’s about having a clear direction.

Even something as simple as jotting down three key priorities can make a difference. It creates focus, reduces stress, and makes Monday feel like a fresh start instead of an uphill battle.

8) They embrace boredom

Most people think success comes from always staying busy, but successful people understand the value of slowing down—even to the point of boredom.

When we allow ourselves to step away from constant stimulation, something interesting happens. Our minds start to wander, creativity kicks in, and we process thoughts we might have been too distracted to notice. Studies have even shown that moments of boredom can lead to greater problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.

Instead of filling every free moment with screens, tasks, or social plans, successful people leave space for stillness. It’s in those quiet moments that new ideas emerge and true rest happens.

9) They move their bodies

Successful people know that movement isn’t just about staying in shape—it’s about feeling good, having energy, and keeping the mind sharp. Exercise has been linked to improved mood, better focus, and reduced stress, all of which help set the tone for a productive week.

But this doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym. Many successful people simply take a walk, stretch, dance, or do an activity they enjoy. The key is consistency. Even small amounts of movement can boost motivation and mental clarity.

The weekend is the perfect time to reset physically, shake off the stress of the week, and build momentum for what’s ahead.

10) They do something just for themselves

In a world that constantly demands attention, successful people carve out time for themselves—without guilt and without obligation. They do something that brings them joy, fuels their spirit, or simply makes them feel more like themselves.

It could be reading a book, cooking a favorite meal, journaling, or sitting quietly with a cup of coffee. The activity itself doesn’t matter. What matters is the intention behind it: a reminder that life isn’t just about productivity and achievement—it’s also about fulfillment.

Bottom line: success is in the small choices

Success isn’t just about what happens Monday through Friday—it’s shaped by the small choices we make when no one is watching. And weekends, free from the usual pressures of work, offer the perfect opportunity to be intentional with how we spend our time.

Psychologists have long studied the habits of high achievers, and the findings are clear: success isn’t built on constant hustle alone. It comes from balance—knowing when to push forward and when to pause, when to plan and when to simply be present.

Whether it’s resting, reflecting, or pursuing personal passions, the way we use our time off has a ripple effect on every other part of life. The real question is: how will you spend yours?