Say Goodbye to ‘Sunday-Night Sickness’
As we enter the final stretch of the year, many of us find ourselves running on empty, our batteries drained to critical levels. Work demands, family obligations, and the pressure to give back to our communities have left us depleted. Weekends, once a time for rest, have become as draining as workdays. The result? We start each Monday already exhausted, limping towards the year-end finish line, suffering with the dreaded “Sunday Night sickness”, every single night!
“Ten months into the year, many of us are stuck at that dreaded 10% mark, desperately needing to recharge. Just as your smartphone requires dedicated time to reach 100% charge, your body and mind crave the same opportunity to power up,” says Samantha Pillay, Director at First Loyalty Plus. “While 48 hours might seem like a mere fraction in the context of a year, it can work wonders when you plug into the right recharging activities. Think of it as a rapid-charging station for your soul – brief but powerful enough to rejuvenate your spirit and boost your overall well-being.
Pillay recommends the following ideas for a rejuvenating 48-hour weekend recharge:
1. Indulge in Spa Treatments: Kickstart your weekend with a blissful 90-minute spa treatment. Research from psychologists at the University of Konstanz revealed that people experience significantly higher levels of psychological and physiological relaxation after just ten minutes of massage! Now, picture the restorative power of a full hour and a half. First Loyalty Plus members enjoy exclusive discounts at partner luxury spas, making it easy to melt stress away with a massage, facial, or body treatment.
2. Embrace the Afternoon Siesta: A study published in the National Library of Medicine offers a resounding “yes” to the power of the afternoon nap. Researchers found that short siestas, lasting anywhere from a quick 10-minute doze to a more luxurious hour-long slumber, pack a powerful punch. These brief escapes into dreamland were shown to significantly boost mood, sharpen alertness, and reduce feelings of sleepiness. The best part? These benefits weren’t fleeting – they lingered, providing a lasting uplift to the nappers’ day.
3. Treat Yourself to a Hotel Stay: Why not elevate your weekend with a mini-escape? Picture yourself checking into a local hotel or resort for a night or two. This isn’t just a change of scenery; it’s a strategic move to hit your mental reset button. By stepping away from the familiar, you’re creating a space where relaxation isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable. This simple act of “getting away” triggers a surge of dopamine, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter. It’s the same chemical rush you get from travel but without the stress of long-distance journeys. In this new environment, you’re liberated from the usual weekend chores. No cooking, no cleaning – just pure, uninterrupted relaxation. Your only responsibilities? Indulging in room service, perhaps a leisurely soak in the tub, and surrendering to the embrace of crisp, fresh sheets. First Loyalty Plus members get up to 50% off some of South Africa’s best hotels and resorts, and you’ll wake up on Monday morning feeling like you’ve got your mojo back.
“Recharging your battery isn’t selfish—it’s essential,” says Pillay. “It will boost your energy levels and motivate those around you as reducing stress leads to greater patience and creativity in your interactions. So, prioritise some self-care time now before year-end; your family, friends and colleagues will also benefit from the revitalised you,” she concludes.
To find out more about First Loyalty Plus, visit
https://firstloyaltyplus.co.za
INFO SUPPLIED.
