Welcome to the Holidays
The holidays are knocking at our doors, waiting for us to open up and fill our homes with decorations we never knew we needed or wanted. Walking through the grocery stores we are bombarded with the constant reminder that it is time to start planning, buying, and scheduling all our holiday festivities. I know it is only the middle of October. I know we are barely pulling out our winter clothes. I know we are just getting into the groove of Sunday Football. But that doesn’t stop stress from creeping in on us with all its’ holiday fun.
Now for most of us, the holidays are an awesome time with family and friends. We have our Halloween party we go to, we have Thanksgiving and then we run right into the Christmas season, with a constant flow of obligations. And I imagine most people have similar commitments. With all of these things coming at us, it becomes harder and harder to set time aside for ourselves. It becomes harder to wake up after a long weekend of entertaining or being entertained. Workouts can start to feel more like a challenge than an outlet, and nutrition becomes something that we want to forget about unit about January 5 when we realize our favorite jeans no longer fit.
So how do we make this year different from last? How do we help ourselves get from now until then without the extra weight, without the loss of self motivation and confidence? Unfortunately there isn’t an easy answer. Saying no to that third glass of wine when you are having an amazing night with friends is hard, saying no to that third glass of wine when you are at a family event can be almost impossible. And the temptations are everywhere. It doesn’t matter what your vices are, at each party you will find at least a few foods that are irresistible. And top it off, the days are short, squeezing in a workout in the cold dark mornings can seem hard and by the afternoon it can almost seem impossible.
But here is the honest to goodness, the not too much fun truth. The holidays are a choice and how we behave and make decisions is our choice to make. No one makes you indulge, no one sabotages you (even if sometimes people peer pressure). How we choose to get through the holidays can help us feel better about ourselves both in the moment and in January.
Here are a few ideas to help get you through the holiday season.
#1. Don’t have junk food in your house. There will be plenty everywhere you go, don’t buy it and if you end up with some, throw it away. It is safer in the garbage than on the scale.
#2. Have a game plan. The more you leave to chance the less likely you are to stick to your goals. Try to plan out as much as you can.
#3. Stick with an easy nutrition plan when attending these holiday obligations: Don’t show up hungry. Eat as much protein and vegetables as you like and limit the amount of bready, sugary treats.
#4. If you are going to indulge or over indulge, enjoy every single bite. Slow down and enjoy the flavors, the textures and the goodness.
#5. Limit your alcohol consumption. Alcohol not only ends up being a lot of empty calories but it also usually leads to poor nutritional decisions. There is always a need for a designated driver.
#6. It doesn’t matter what you do nutritionally, don’t give up on your workouts. If you come to the studio, workout at home, run, bike or whatever, keep up with your exercises. The benefits are great for both your mind and body.
#7. Get outside. The days can seem really short and dark and cold and damp. Try to get out and walk in the elements at least two times a week.
#8. Do something good for yourself. It might be meditating, yoga, stretching or just enjoying a nice cup of tea in the evening.
#9. Take time everyday to breath deeply. A few big, slow inhales and exhales can really help calm the over stimulation of the holiays.
#10. Dance. It’s my go-to for a good time. You can dance by yourself or dance with friends but it always seems to bring out some smiles and laughs.
I wish the holidays would just be easier, but they are not. They are challenging in so many ways and each of us carry our own stresses in our own ways. Plan ahead and pace yourself. If every year you can make one or two small changes for the better, it will add up each and every year.