This is the time of year many of us become what I call ’fitness window shoppers’. We might have started slacking on some of our healthy habits and we want to get back on track, but we can’t get ourselves to fully commit to a new plan. I mean… what’s the point with the holidays right around the corner? What’s the point if you can’t be ‘perfect’ with the plan?
But… the point is SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING! And too often we wait for a perfect time to start instead of learning to get consistent through those not so ideal periods.
Honestly – you want to know the secret to success? It isn’t being able to stick with things and get consistent when the time is right. It’s being able to find a way to do enough when the time is completely crap and we can’t do what we’d ideally like.
The way we make something a “lifestyle” is by knowing when we need to adjust. When we need to go to Plan B or C or X, Y and Z. And so often waiting for that ‘perfect time’ just leads to us becoming worse and worse off.
Why go into this New Year behind where you could be if you started something today? Why not learn how to handle crazy schedules, family events and stressful work weeks where nothing ever seems to go right? Why not start this New Year off in a better spot than you are normally, so you can see even better results in 2022!
These times that seem like the worst time to start something so we just “shop around” for the New Year, are actually the best times to get started. You can see them as “practice” for those periods you’ll be more committed.
These are the times to at least maintain your results. They don’t have to be the time to dig ourselves a hole, we are then forced to climb out of. My advise is not to waste your time window shopping. Find something you enjoy and commit to it even if it is based on what you can realistically do now, over what you’d ideally like to do.
All I want for Christmas is… to stay fit and healthy! If you have spent the best part of 2022 getting fit and healthy, the silly season is not the time to throw in the towel. It’s called the silly season for very good reason – non-stop parties, endless eating and drinking and limited time to exercise. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone deserves a break so relax and enjoy yourself. Christmas is the time to kick up your heels… in moderation.
Here are five holiday survival tips to help you enjoy your festive season, and stay happy, fit and healthy in the lead up to the man in red arriving at your doorstep.
Tip 1 – Stay hydrated
It’s an oldie but a goodie and it goes without saying, drink plenty of water each day, at least 8 glasses. Don’t feel like you have to totally avoid alcohol. Spirits have less calories so would be the drink of choice but whatever you decide is your tipple this Christmas, try to drink it slowly and have a glass of water in-between each drink.
Tip 2 – Sleep is the best medicine
Most people need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night to help them stay healthy. Believe it or not you don’t have to stay till the end of every party or even go to every single one! So why not take a night to yourself and relax on the couch with your favourite Christmas movie or a good book. Alternatively, if you find getting to sleep is hard, have a nice soak in the bath before hitting the hay.
Tip 3 – Exercise is possible
Just because you have been burning the candle at both ends doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise. If you don’t feel like doing your usual exercise, why not go for a walk around your neighbourhood? Pound the pavements with a friend and check out the local Christmas lights in the streets near you. You might surprise yourself how much you enjoy it.
Tip 4 – Less is more when it comes to food
Food is certainly a focal point of Christmas gatherings. Don’t feel like you have to nibble on a lettuce leaf. You can simply opt for the healthier snacks on offer, like pretzels and nuts instead of lollies, chips and chocolate. Try to eat slowly and listen to your body when it tells you it is full – perhaps you have had enough to eat! Try to eat smaller portions and use a smaller plate rather than pile it all on a large dinner plate.
Tip 5 – Take time to reflect
Take this time to sit back and reflect on what you have achieved over the past year, you may surprise yourself. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back and set yourself realistic goals for 2023. Why not sign up for an event in 2023 now so you have something to work towards.
New Year… New You!
