Having a Slow Weekend
LIFESTYLE
12/11/2025
A1–A2 Level
Vocabulary
calm (noun) — a relaxed state without stress.
Example: I listened to music to feel calm.
avoid (verb) — to stay away from something.
Example: I avoid chocolate when I am on a diet.
multitasking (noun) — doing more than one thing at the same time.
Example: I am not good at multitasking.
advise (verb) — to tell someone what you think they should do.
Example: My friend advised me to take a break.
nap (noun) — a short sleep during the day.
Example: I took a nap after lunch.
reflect (verb) — to think carefully about something.
Example: I like to reflect on my week every Sunday.
Article
One Thing at a Time: How to Have a Slow Weekend
Do you wake up on Monday and feel surprised that the weekend is already over?
If yes, you might need a “slow weekend.”
Many people try to clean the house, visit friends, and finish all their tasks on their days off. This can make the weekend feel very busy.
A “slow weekend” means doing fewer things and resting more.
Adam Kelton from VegOut magazine says you should start the weekend calmly. Don’t plan anything on Saturday morning.
Women on Topp magazine advises people to avoid multitasking. Instead, do one thing at a time. If you cook, just cook. If you watch a movie, put your phone away.
This helps the weekend feel slower and more enjoyable.
You can also spend time outside. A simple walk can help your mind relax.
If you get tired, don’t worry about taking a nap.
On Sunday evening, take time to reflect on what you enjoyed. Don’t think about Monday yet — let it wait.
Comprehension Questions
What is a “slow weekend”?
What does Adam Kelton say about Saturday morning?
What should you do on Sunday evening?
Personal Questions (15)
Do your weekends feel fast or slow?
When did you last rest properly?
Do you like weekends with many plans or few plans?
Do you often multitask at home?
How do you usually relax?
Would you like to try a slow weekend?
Do you enjoy taking naps?
Do you go for walks on weekends?
Do you watch movies or read more on weekends?
Does your phone distract you?
Do you do chores on Saturday or Sunday?
What is one activity that makes you feel calm?
Do you think you need more rest?
How do you feel on Monday mornings?
What would make your weekends better?
Comprehension Answers (A1–A2)
It means doing fewer things and resting more.
He says not to plan anything.
Reflect on what you enjoyed.
B1–B2 Level
Vocabulary
calm — a peaceful, relaxed state.
Example: A quiet morning helps me find calm.
avoid — to prevent something from happening or stay away from it.
Example: I avoid checking emails on weekends.
multitasking — doing several tasks at the same time.
Example: Multitasking makes me feel stressed.
advise — to recommend something helpful.
Example: Experts advise taking breaks during the day.
nap — a short daytime sleep that helps restore energy.
Example: A 20-minute nap helps me focus.
reflect — to think deeply or carefully.
Example: I reflect on my goals every Sunday evening.
Article
How to Slow Down Your Weekend and Enjoy It More
Many people reach Monday morning feeling like the weekend disappeared. This often happens because weekends get filled with chores, errands, and social commitments.
A “slow weekend” focuses on doing less and enjoying activities more intentionally.
Adam Kelton from VegOut magazine suggests beginning the weekend in a calm state by keeping Saturday morning completely free. This gives your mind a chance to reset.
Women on Topp magazine advises avoiding multitasking. “Single-tasking” — doing one activity at a time — helps you stay present. For example, cook without checking your phone, or watch a movie without doing laundry.
This approach makes time feel slower and more meaningful.
Spending time outdoors is also encouraged. Walking without a planned route can help you unwind.
If you feel tired, allow yourself to nap. Rest is part of the experience.
Finally, instead of preparing for the week ahead, Sunday evening should be a moment to reflect on what you enjoyed during the weekend.
Comprehension Questions
Why do weekends sometimes feel too short?
What is the benefit of “single-tasking”?
Why should Sunday evening be used for reflection?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you often feel like your weekends disappear quickly?
What usually fills your weekends: chores, plans, or rest?
Have you ever tried “single-tasking”?
What activity helps you start the weekend calmly?
Do you think multitasking increases stress?
What small change could make your weekends more peaceful?
Do you prefer to stay home or go outside on weekends?
What is your relationship with your phone during rest time?
Do you ever take naps intentionally?
How do you balance rest and responsibilities?
When do you usually reflect on your week?
Does planning too much make your weekend stressful?
Which part of the weekend do you enjoy most?
Would you like to redesign your weekend routine?
What advice would you give someone who is always busy?
Comprehension Answers (B1–B2)
Because many people fill their weekends with too many tasks and commitments.
It helps you stay focused and makes time feel slower.
To think about what you enjoyed rather than preparing for Monday.
C1–C2 Level
Vocabulary
calm — a mental state free from agitation or tension.
Example: She cultivated a sense of calm by disconnecting from all screens.
avoid — to intentionally prevent involvement in something.
Example: He avoids over-planning his weekends to protect his mental space.
multitasking — handling several cognitive or physical tasks simultaneously.
Example: Chronic multitasking can reduce the quality of your attention.
advise — to give guidance based on knowledge, experience, or expertise.
Example: Researchers advise creating boundaries between work and leisure.
nap — a brief restorative sleep that improves cognition and mood.
Example: A well-timed nap can enhance productivity and emotional regulation.
reflect — to examine one’s thoughts, actions, and experiences critically.
Example: She set aside Sunday evening to reflect on the previous week.
Article
Reclaiming Time: The Case for a “Slow Weekend”
Many adults begin Monday with the sense that the weekend vanished before they could meaningfully rest. This problem often comes from the expectation that weekends must absorb the week’s unfinished tasks — cleaning, scheduling, socialising, and administrative work.
The “slow weekend” counters this mindset. It encourages intentional rest, reduced commitments, and deeper engagement with a smaller number of activities.
Adam Kelton of VegOut magazine argues that the tone of the weekend is set at the beginning. He recommends protecting Saturday morning from any obligations, allowing a transition into genuine calm.
Women on Topp magazine expands on this by criticising multitasking, which fragments attention. Instead, they advocate “single-tasking,” a deliberate focus on one activity at a time — cooking without distractions, watching a film without checking notifications, reading without background noise. This deliberate focus slows the subjective experience of time.
Fresh air and unstructured outdoor movement — like taking a walk with no planned route — further support mental decompression.
A slow weekend also acknowledges fatigue as normal rather than something to power through. Rest, including napping, is considered essential rather than indulgent.
The weekend culminates in reflective practice. Instead of Sunday night becoming an early extension of Monday, individuals are encouraged to look back on what brought them joy and presence.
Comprehension Questions
What does the “slow weekend” philosophy challenge about modern weekend habits?
How does “single-tasking” influence the perception of time?
Why is Sunday evening reframed as a moment for reflection rather than preparation?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you think modern culture pressures people to stay productive even on weekends?
How would a “slow weekend” change your emotional well-being?
What habits prevent you from slowing down?
Does multitasking damage your focus or only your energy?
How do you currently transition from weekday mode to rest mode?
What role does technology play in your sense of restfulness?
Do you think rest should be structured or spontaneous?
Could naps be considered part of a healthy lifestyle?
How does outdoor time affect your mindset?
Does reflection improve your sense of control or add pressure?
What parts of your weekend feel rushed, and why?
How could you redesign your typical Saturday morning?
Does society undervalue rest compared to productivity?
What long-term benefits might come from adopting slow-weekend habits?
How might your relationships improve if you had calmer weekends?
Comprehension Answers (C1–C2)
It challenges the belief that weekends must be used to catch up on all unfinished tasks.
It slows the experience of time by reducing distraction and improving focus.
Because it encourages appreciation and awareness rather than preparing for work.
