5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Out This Weekend
Our weekdays are usually built around structure aka work schedules, deadlines, workouts, meals, and routines.
And they have to be this way, in order for us to get everything done.
But weekends are typically... less structured.
And honestly, they should be.
Weekends exist for us to decompress. To spend time with friends, family and loved ones. To adventure, to dine, to drink. That lack of structure isn’t a problem. It’s part of what makes our lives enjoyable.
But when we lift the anchor, the tide might just carry us further away than we wanted to go...
Meaning, we wake up Monday morning in a shame spiral.
But the solution to this isn't to maintain a tight grip all weekend long. Instead, let's see if our approach to a successful weekend can incorporate mindfulness, intentionality, and maintaining a commitment to yourself.
Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before going out this weekend:
Am I letting the environment control me, or am I choosing with intention? It’s easy to fall into “autopilot” when the chips and bread basket hit the table. Pause, and remind yourself of this: You get to choose. You’re not automatically powerless to the delicious smells around you, and you can make mindful choices even in the most tempting situations.
How can I enjoy tonight and feel proud of my choices tomorrow? Think less restriction, more balance. Take a second to think about how you want to feel when you wake up in the morning. Do you want to feel like you enjoyed yourself? Do you want to feel like your choices were in alignment with your goals? If so, then let your priorities lead your decision making.
Am I eating out of habit, boredom, or true hunger? Ask yourself: Am I actually hungry, or just caught up in the moment? Pausing for 10 seconds before reaching for food can be the difference between mindless snacking and honoring your hunger cues.
What would a “win” tonight look like? Success isn’t “all or nothing.” Maybe a win is stopping after two drinks instead of three. Or swapping fries for a side salad but still enjoying dessert. Defining your version of success ahead of time will help you navigate the evening, and make it easier to recognize when you’ve achieved it.
If I indulge, can I enjoy it without feeling guilty afterward? Eating healthy food isn't an act of morality. Which also means, indulgent food isn't immoral. You’re not being “bad” for eating dessert, and you don’t need to “earn” your calories (your body already does this, just by functioning). If you choose to indulge, own your experience and enjoy the hell out of it—then move on. Guilt doesn’t burn calories, but it will put a negative lens on your experience.
At the end of the day, weekends aren’t meant to be perfect. They’re meant to be lived.
But if we approach them with a little intention, we can enjoy the freedom they bring without losing sight of the bigger picture.
The goal isn’t to avoid indulgence or stick to rigid rules. It’s to create a rhythm where enjoyment and progress can coexist.
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Set yourself up for success this weekend!
Pick one of the five questions from above that resonates with you most. Write your answer in your notes app before you head out this weekend, and check in with yourself at least once during the night.