If you’re feeling exhausted every Monday morning, the problem might not be how much free time you have on the weekend, but how you use it. Instead of defaulting to passive activities, try “leisure crafting”: a more intentional approach to your free time that improves your well-being—and even boosts your work performance.

Identify activities that really energize you. Leisure crafting isn’t about changing your hobbies—it’s about changing your mindset around them. Bring a goal to the table. For example, if you love watching movies, consider starting a film club with the goal of strengthening your friendships around a shared passion for cinema.

Be specific. Avoid vague ambitions like “I want to be a more knowledgeable baker.” Instead, define concrete, trackable steps—like baking a new loaf of bread from your favorite cookbook each week. Start small, and scale up only if it energizes you.

Hold yourself accountable—and adjust when needed. Track your progress in a journal and stay disciplined by scheduling your leisure time in advance. But don’t let your goals become burdens. If something starts feeling like work, tweak it. Leisure should be restorative, not exhausting.
This tip is adapted from “Research: How ‘Leisure Crafting’ Can Help You Recharge,” by Melody Wilding.
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