Getting Caught Up in the Weekend Whirl
A strong weekday routine is the key to a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle, and for many of us – we have this routine down to a science. Every Monday, we have our fridges filled with fresh produce, workouts scheduled, and water bottles on hand to ensure sufficient hydration. However, something seems to happen when the Friday rolls around that can easily throw a wrench in our plans to lead a healthy lifestyle. Suddenly, we’re out of groceries, we’re committed to too many plans, and we’re canceling our Saturday morning pilates class since we know we'll stay up late. We call this the weekend whirl.
Addressing this problem may seem overwhelming. You’ve identified the issue but can’t tell how to go about getting back on track. It is simple to understand why this occurs – we place too much stress on ourselves throughout the week that we convince ourselves it is right to kick back by the time the weekend rolls around. The key to addressing this issue is to redefine your understanding of a healthy lifestyle by rebuilding your core healthy habits.
The secret to staying healthy over the weekend is planning around your personal non-negotiables. What defines your version of a healthy lifestyle? Whether this means eating produce-packed home-cooked meals or limiting drinking to once a week/cutting it out completely – these are your non-negotiables.
Take a second – write down your nonnegotiables and allow these to guide your decision-making when the weekend rolls around. Balance is key. Participating in “unhealthy” activities is fine from time to time – but not if it takes away from your pre-established goals.
Let’s talk about three ways to transform your weekends through healthy habits.
We’ve all heard of a Sunday reset, but what about one for Friday? Implementing this healthy habit can set you up for a successful, mindful weekend that will reinforce your non-negotiables. You may be wondering, what should a Friday reset consist of? We’ve got that part covered.
Check your groceries to determine what you’ll need to get you through the weekend. By Friday, it’s likely that you’ve run through your fruit and vegetables and are left with random ingredients. A quick grocery run can prevent you from eating out and getting to-go coffees, saving you money and helping you stick to your goals.
Organize intentional weekend plans to prevent last-minute dinner reservations and drinking-related activities. When we don’t organize plans in advance, we seem to end up engaging in not-so-healthy activities. Text your friends or gather your family and brainstorm activities that you might not have time for during the week. Hikes, bike rides, beach days, and picnics are a few activities that can ensure a good time while avoiding unhealthy tendencies.
A restful weekend is the key to happier weekdays. Oftentimes, we try to fit countless activities into two short days, which results in a lack of sleep and anxiety. Preplanning activities is an excellent way to organize fun and fulfilling time with friends and family without things quickly spiraling into a crazy weekend.
Engaging in activities such as practicing mindfulness, spending time outdoors, or pursuing hobbies allows you to disconnect from work-related responsibilities and focus on self-care. Prioritizing R&R also helps maintain a healthy work-life balance, leading to better job satisfaction and overall performance in the long run. Engaging in meditation, yoga, and reading are excellent ways to achieve a more relaxed weekend.
During the week, it might be difficult to cook time-consuming meals between work, exercise, and seeing friends. The weekend offers a unique opportunity to make more enjoyable healthy dishes that are outside of your usual menu. Experiment with new recipes or try different cuisines to keep things interesting and prevent boredom with the same old dishes. It is important to remember that healthy diet habits consist of many more factors than you might think. What type of coffee are you drinking? Are you consuming enough water? Are you getting enough nutrients?
At Zenbodi, we believe that simplicity is the key to forming maintainable healthy habits. If you’re anything like us, coffee is one of the few parts of your morning that stays consistent on weekdays and weekends. You deserve to find a coffee blend that makes you feel your best and prepares you for the busy day ahead. Zenbean coffee is infused with nootropic ingredients and essential vitamins and nutrients to fuel you for the day ahead. Nootropics are brain-boosting ingredients that improve cognitive function, support memory, and can prevent the development of brain-related conditions. Learn more about our health-boosting product range here.
Implementing Healthy Habits to Support a Fulfilling Lifestyle
Successfully living a perfect lifestyle includes endless elements, and the truth is that it is impossible to actually achieve. Life goes in waves, and we will not always be able to abide by certain diets or exercise plans that we have designed. Finding enjoyment in your everyday life is the key to leading a healthy lifestyle. If you do not genuinely enjoy your healthy habits, it will be impossible to stick to them.
The weekends are a time to let in peace while embracing the healthy habits and goals you have established for yourself. Over time, you will begin to consider your healthy habits a part of your everyday life; and soon after, you will be ready to embrace more rituals that can support your mental and physical health.
