Many of you might not know that I am much more introverted than my job and life would lead you to believe! I love talking with and meeting new people, I get paid to talk, but the only way I recharge is through alone time. Which is why I was so excited to have a rare weekend to myself a few weeks ago. I relished in it. It’s wild to me when I hear from people who don’t do well with solitude and find it difficult to fill the time. So I thought I’d share my ideal “me weekend” and my approach to making it as fulfilling as possible. And a good portion of it is all about planning ahead!

When I know that I have a weekend to myself, I look into my crystal ball. I think of all the things that are important to recharging my batteries. Does anything need to be booked beforehand? For me that usually looks like bikes at my spin studio (CycleBar Classen Curve), a facial with my favorite esthetician (Gimme Sugars) or a nail appointment at my neighborhood salon (Gloss.)

What have I not gotten to do lately that would be nourishing? I love early morning and evening walks—both of which are impossible with my work schedule. I pencil those in where I see fit. Maybe that week I’m craving takeout from my favorite pho hole-in-the-wall, or the chance to cook a more elaborate meal at home? I’ll usually do one Friday night, and the other on Saturday and crack open my favorite cookbooks. I also always fit in a long trip to the sauna! And I mean LONG. I’ve gone multiple times a week for about seven years and swear by its health benefits—It’s a couple hours for me to meditate, pray, read, and just melt away the previous week.

Are there any documentaries or movies I’ve been wanting to watch?! I’ll check the local movie times and also the new releases on my streaming accounts. Don’t be afraid to go to a movie alone! It’s one of my favorite things to do—by myself, in the dark, with candy. Yes. Please.

The other piece of advice I have for people who might get a rare weekend to themselves—don’t be afraid to say no to others and prioritize yourself. Speaking for myself, my week is filled with people, interviews, odd hours, being “on”, full hair and makeup. When I get the chance to be off, I take it. I’m getting better at saying no to invites during times that I’ve set aside just for me. And it is so liberating.

I hope this might have been helpful for someone out there with a free weekend on the horizon! You wouldn’t believe how many people tell me they struggle with being alone. You don’t have to just sit at home for two days—fill your time off with everything you want to do! Try something new, go to a museum, reserve a table for one, people watch over coffee, make it worthwhile! And if your idea of heaven is to not leave home or your pajamas, well then, that’s alright, too! Hope you’re all having a great week.

xo,
MM

Post-facial glow at Gimme Sugars in Nichols Hills! My most favorite place to pamper my skin.

Takeout sushi from my neighborhood favorite, Sushi Neko.