Cassie Holmes, a researcher who studies happiness, has found that how people think about their weekends can influence their overall well-being. In a 2017 study published in the Harvard Business Review, Holmes worked with more than 400 American workers to explore how different weekend mindsets affect people. Some participants were encouraged to see their weekend as a vacation, while others treated it like a regular weekend. Those who imagined their weekend as a vacation reported feeling more satisfied and positive when they returned to work. They spent less time doing chores, worked less, spent more time with their partners, and ate more. They also seemed more focused and engaged in their weekend activities. Holmes explains that treating weekends like another part of the workweek—by planning tasks and sticking to a schedule—can make it harder to truly relax. This mindset may prevent weekends from serving their main purpose, which is to offer rest and recovery after a busy week. Andrea Bonior, a psychology professor, agrees that stepping away from work is important for maintaining overall well-being. She says that taking breaks from work is crucial for physical, emotional, and mental health. Bonior adds that the value of time off should be recognized the moment someone leaves work, not just when they return. Holmes suggests that people can still enjoy the benefits of a vacation without taking extra time off by changing how they see their weekends. She recommends using Saturday for relaxation and fun, focusing on enjoyable activities, and saving chores for Sunday. This approach can help people feel more refreshed and happy, even if they don’t have additional time away from work.