Your long weekend RELAXATION WORKSHOP

Don't waste those precious days off stuck in a routine or bored. Shake up Easter with experiences to cherish

- 

The feeling of finishing work on Easter Thursday, with four long days of relaxation ahead, is glorious. Yet long weekends can often pass by in the blink of an eye, leaving you feeling not as refreshed as you'd hoped. Whether you're staying at home or heading away, taking time to relax is important for stress management.

Psychologist and wellbeing coach Dr Bec Jackson says planning activities you wouldn't normally do can help you fully recharge your batteries.

“When your environment is known and routine, it’s easy to let the experience become mindless,” she tells. “You can just go about your day on autopilot, then next thing you know, the weekend is over and it’s back to work. Research shows we often derive more happiness and joy in the planning than the execution of holidays and long weekends. If you can get joy from both, that’s even better!”

Getting away

Setting yourself up properly for a relaxing holiday starts even before you leave. “Do a quick tidy-up at home so you have a clean, clutter-free space to return to,” says Bec. “That way, you won't ruin your relaxed vibe by racing around to get organised at the conclusion of your long weekend.”