Weekends are precious. They are the time to relax, recharge and have some fun. But they can also be the time to get things done and learn some new skills.

How can you have a productive weekend without feeling overwhelmed or stressed?

Here are some tips:

• Plan ahead. Decide what you want to accomplish and prioritise your tasks. Write them down. Schedule them in your calendar.
• Set boundaries. Limit your work-related activities and avoid distractions. Turn off your notifications, email and social media (ever tried the Freedom app?). Say no to anything that isn’t aligned with your goals.
• Balance work and play. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself and do something that makes you happy. Reward yourself for completing your tasks. Even do some celebrating when you knock over a big task.
• Reflect and review. At the end of the weekend, take some time to reflect on what you did, what you learned and what you can improve. Review your progress. Would you change anything to make it better?

Give these tips a try. New skills take some effort but the payoff is real.