Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy alcohol as much as the next person. So let me be clear, this article isn’t about me trying to convince you to give up drinking. But, sometimes it can get really old to go to the same clubs, or the same house parties, with the same music and the same people, every weekend. There comes a time when you just need a break from the party scene in order to branch out.
It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you aren’t hungover from the night before or planning for the night ahead. Skip the alcohol this weekend and enjoy some of the other things life has to offer. Here are 21 ways that you can spend your weekend that don’t involve partying.
1. Volunteer your time
Spend the weekend donating your time and effort at a food bank or an animal shelter. It will be so rewarding for yourself and you’ll be doing good for others as well.
2. Shop
There’s no better way to relieve your stress from the week than a bit of weekend retail therapy. You deserve it, treat yo’ self!
3. Act like a little kid again
You could make a blanket fort with your best friend and hang out in it for hours. If you have any young family members you can always turn to them for some inspiration and a play date.
4. Journal/Blog
Self reflection can be so relaxing and rewarding. Spend the weekend working on you by exploring and writing down your own thoughts.
5. Explore your own city
There are likely some beautiful walking trails that you’ve never been to before, or some old buildings that you don’t know anything about. Make the time to go explore, get some fresh air, and see something new.
6. Binge-watch movies
Sometimes after a long week all you want to do is lay on your couch and catch up on all the movies you’ve missed on Netflix. You could even make things more interesting and turn it into a horror movie marathon.
7. Have quality family time
Skype your mom/grandma/uncle or other family member that you haven’t talked to in forever. Make it your weekend goal to catch up with those you’ve lost touch with and let them know that you’re thinking about them
8. Go to an Escape The Room
These places are popping everywhere. Basically you and your friends get locked in a room and you have to use the clues around you to figure out how to escape. There are different difficulty levels depending on what you think your group can handle. Check them out in New York, Toronto, Montreal, or look for one in your city.
9. Go to a new workout class
If you’ve always wanted to go to a yoga class but never had the time, make the time for it this weekend. Adding exercise into your weekend will make you feel energized and refreshed.
10. Go to a paint party
You can try out a local painting class. Paint Nite is a company that travels throughout North America doing local paint instruction classes. Included in the price you get a canvas, paint, and step by step instructions on how to create your very own masterpiece. (Some of them include drinks, but they don’t have to.)
11. Have a picnic
When was the last time you had a picnic? Pack up some of your favorite snacks and have a meal outside with your friends or your significant other.
12. Have a fondue party
Fondue is the funnest way to eat. Cut up some beef, potatoes, mushrooms, shrimp, whatever you can find and invite over a group of friends. Making your mini meals at the table is so much fun.
13. Throw a potluck dinner party
You can never have enough food themed weekends. This is the easiest way to have your friends over for dinner. Just make sure that everyone is bringing a different type of dish and then get together and pig out.
14. Go on a Color Run
Known as the happiest 5K on the planet, these runs have become extremely popular throughout North America. Check out the dates on the website and start getting a team of runners together.
15. Make a craft/DIY
Pick a project from Pinterest and spend the weekend attempting to recreate it. If it goes well, you will have something beautiful and unique, and if it turns into a Pinterest fail, at least you can laugh about it.
16. Create a board game night
Monopoly, Clue, Life. Head to your local Toys R’ Us and pick up a new game, or kick it back with a family favourite. The options truly are endless for this one.
17. Try a sport you’ve never tried before
Take a tennis lesson or learn to play racquetball, you might discover something that you love and it will be a fun way to exercise.
18. Play old-school video games
Somebody you know has to have an old Nintendo that you could borrow for the night. Get nostalgic with some friends and play old school Mario Kart.
19. Go stargazing
Drive out into the country, lay down a blanket, and stare at the stars. You’ll be surprised at how peaceful and relaxing it is to just look at the stars for hours. It could even be a really romantic date night.
20. Catch up on life
Finish up the laundry that’s been waiting forever, finally get yourself to the post office, buy those few essentials you’ve been meaning to for a while. Use the weekend to be productive and catch up on those things that have been falling aside during your busy week.
21. Catch up on sleep
Sometimes life gets too busy and we need a weekend to completely shut ourselves down to recharge. Put your phone on silent, forget about the chores, and just snooze it off.
These are just some ideas that can help you skip the hangover and the same old club night, but that will still let you enjoy yourself this weekend. Leaving the alcohol behind for one or two weekends will not only do wonders for your body, but it can also be really beneficial for your life and your mental health. Give yourself a party break to appreciate the other things life has to offer, you might learn a bit more about yourself and those around you. Plus giving up on the party scene for a while will make you appreciate it so much more the next time you go out.
Featured image via Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
I love all of these and definitely will be doing a few on my trip home this weekend!