School weeks can be draining. And my idea of a good weekend involves refueling, resting, and relaxing. Here are a few ideas for how to do that.

1. Breathe.

I'm serious. We rush from class to meetings to groups and cram in homework all week long. Take a moment to just breathe. Put on soothing music. Pray and worship. Take a stroll outside and enjoy nature - or gaze through the window at a storm or snowfall if it's too nasty to get out.

Do whatever you need to in order to unwind and recenter after a hectic week.

2. Take a bath.

This one wasn't originally on my list, but my sister was quite convinced. And adding aroma - and maybe spa music - does sound delightful.

3. Curl up with a good book.

My personal favorite fiction: Men of Iron by Howard Pyle. (He wrote Robin Hood, so he's a classic author well worth a try!)

Besides fiction, the Bible and biographies of Christians like Amy Carmichael, C.T. Studd and Hudson Taylor are always inspiring reads.

4. Plan for homework.

It may sound like a downer, but I promise it won't feel that way on Sunday night. Know ahead of time what you need to get done over the weekend. Then, either do it early or space it out over the weekend so that it does not plunge you into the depths of despair later (that was for you Anne of Green Gables fans).

5. Try that new recipe... or work out...

... or whatever else intrigues you! Shake up the routine every once in a while and enjoy something new. Hey, if you hate it, you never have to do it again.

And you might just learn something in the process - or even find a new favorite!

6. Make time for friends.

Even with the best intentions, it doesn't always happen during the week. Get a group for games or an outdoor activity - or, if you're better at one-on-one, grab a friend for a cozy chat by the fireplace or a cup of coffee. People are important, after all.

(Hint: As an introvert, I usually have to schedule this to actually make it happen. Maybe extroverts have no problem going out at the last minute. If so, feel free to educate me on this mysterious ability.)

7. Choose gratitude.

It's not just a weekend thing, but weekends are a good time to refocus. No matter where we are in life, I'm taking a wild guess that we could all find something we wish we could change.

If you can make a positive change (for example, going to bed earlier or adjusting your diet), great! If not, we can still choose how to respond to our lot in life. Gratitude doesn't come naturally - it has to be cultivated.

With Jesus in my life, I always have a reason to choose joy, no matter how difficult life may be.