6 things super successful people do on weekends

Four of Pied Piper’s team members in the series Silicon Valley.

Remember that Silicon Valley episode where Richard’s doctor tells him he aged 40 biological years in seven weeks?

While everyone held their bellies and laughed at that one, chances are, if you’re a startup founder, you didn’t join in. For the startup industry, that one was too close to the bone.

That entrepreneurs should give up on their social lives, and live and breathe their business has been the mantra for startups ever since the industry bloomed. After all, if they do not give their “all,” and treat their business like their baby, how will they convince VCs that they are building something of worth?

However, it isn’t uncommon for even the most passionate entrepreneurs to crash out with too much stress, and the mental well being of people in the industry is definitely a cause for concern. Very successful people across industries have always sworn by a “pause” button in their lives, claiming it helps them refocus and come back with more energy.

Here’s a list of habits that the uber successful weave into their weekends. It is in no way comprehensive, but meant as an indicator to help with the burnout.

1. Try to avoid the office space

Check emails from a sidewalk cafe if you have to. Photo credit: Wikimedia.

A Stanford study says our productivity levels go down when the workweek exceeds 50 hours. Spencer Rascoff, founder of Hotwire and former VP of Expedia says he checks emails, but otherwise spends time with his family on Saturdays and Sundays.

That does not, however, mean he cuts himself off. “My weekends are an important time to unplug from the day-to-day and get a chance to think more deeply about my company and my industry,” he told Forbes.

2. Do something that recharges you

Richard Branson kite surfes. Photo credit: Wikimedia.

Go on a drive, cross-train, practise on the piano, volunteer – pick anything that is not similar to the work you do all week and which also helps you be happy.

Doing a different kind of acitivity helps your body and mind recover from the things that stress you all week. Richard Branson stays active with kite surfing, while Meryl Streep knits.

3. Kick out the FOMO

4. Fix your priorities

5. Don’t disrupt the body clock too much

6. Plan for Monday