Week 3: Mindfulness and Navigating a Holiday

The third week of this challenge landed on a holiday, and let’s be real—holidays can throw a wrench into the best-laid plans. Between family gatherings, festive foods, and unpredictable schedules, it’s easy to lose sight of our goals. But this week’s theme, Mindfulness, served as my anchor.

Here’s how I approached this week:

1. Starting Each Day With Intention

Mindfulness is all about staying present, so I made it a priority to start my mornings with a quiet moment. Whether it was sipping coffee while journaling or walking the dogs, this gave me a chance to set my intentions for the day.

One of my goals was to enjoy the holiday without overthinking every bite or workout. I reminded myself: it’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress.

2. Planning Ahead Without Obsessing

For the holiday itself, I leaned into flexibility. I knew I’d be enjoying a few indulgent foods, so I planned lighter, high-protein meals earlier in the day to balance things out. I also kept my workouts simple and manageable—quick circuits and dog walks were enough to keep me moving without adding stress.

3. Practicing Gratitude

This week, I added a gratitude practice to my journaling routine. Holidays are a perfect time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, and I noticed this mindset made me more mindful of my choices. I could fully enjoy that slice of pie or the laughter around the dinner table without guilt.

4. Staying Mindful During Meals

Mindful eating became my secret weapon. Instead of grazing all day, I focused on listening to my body. Was I hungry? Or just eating because food was available? By slowing down and savoring each bite, I found myself feeling satisfied—not stuffed—by the end of the

5. Balancing the Rest of the Week

The holiday was just one day. The rest of the week was business as usual. I kept up my meal prep, stayed consistent with workouts, and focused on small wins like drinking more water and hitting my step goals.

Week 3 Reflection

This week taught me the power of balance. Mindfulness doesn’t mean you avoid the fun stuff—it means you’re intentional about how you approach it. I walked away from the holiday feeling proud, not because I was “perfect,” but because I stayed present and gave myself grace.

Tip for the Week:

Holidays are a time for joy, not stress. Plan ahead where you can, stay present, and remember that one day won’t derail your progress. Focus on the memories, not the macros.

As I head into Week 4, I’m carrying this mindset with me. The goal is to keep building habits that allow me to enjoy life *and* stay aligned with my long-term goals.

What about you? How do you stay mindful during holidays? Drop your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

See you next week,

Z