The nearing holidays are a time of celebration and togetherness. With the changes in weather (particularly COLD for people like me), frequent get-togethers, busy schedules, and the sweet and savory seasonal meals—many may experience a struggle to maintain their regular health and wellness regimen—particularly in the food and fitness areas. At the end of the day, it’s an exciting time of the year, so the primary goal is to find balance within the festivities.
I find the common theme for myself is to fall out of my routine when the first wave of colder weather hits and then falling back into it just in time for the New Year. While the turn-around is there, I still seek to avoid that short period of a lack of motivation.
I think a change in routine can be healthy, especially when it complements the season. We’re not robots, we’re human and change can be due every so often. It’s taken a whole lot of trial and error for me to learn how to navigate the holiday season with vitality and balance, ensuring I remain focused on the health of my mind, body, and spirit. Here’s a few of the things I do to stay on top of my routine while also welcoming flexibility for the holidays.
1. Mindful eating at holiday get-togethers
Holiday get-togethers almost always revolve around food. They bring together different households with different nutritional habits and preferences. Therefore, holiday meals are full of all sorts of foods from all across the board! Enjoy and appreciate your food but also remind yourself to be mindful. I will always find it odd when people attempt to STARVE themselves all day until it’s time for a holiday dinner—depleting your body of the nutrients it needs to function then attempting to overindulge until your stomach hurts is a holiday tradition I do not encourage anyone to take part in.
I always bring a plate that I know meets the criteria of foods I consider nourishing and healthy for my body. It’s always a great way to help out, pass along your nutritional knowledge, and have an option you know you can enjoy. Build your plate with a balance of foods like greens, grains, and protein. This will ultimately help you create a well-rounded (and most importantly) satisfying meal. Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues (we have them for a reason!) Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re satisfied, and if you save room for a sweet treat—enjoy it guilt free as long as your intention is to consume it mindfully without overindulging. As always, take a moment to appreciate the effort that went into preparing the meal and the opportunity to enjoy it with loved ones!
2. Staying hydrated (Get creative with it)
DON’T FORGET TO DRINK YOUR WATER! With the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s easy to miss the mark on your water intake. Drink your water however you prefer, but with the holiday spirit in mind you can make a jug of infused water (add fresh herbs like rosemary or mint if you want to get festive), cozy up with a tea or warm lemon water, even make a mocktail (even if you choose to enjoy some drinks, there’s no harm in adding some functional, festive mocktails in the mix!)
3. Move your body (Make sNOw excuses!)
One of my biggest struggles in the colder (and busier) months is my commitment to my fitness routine. I am one to love running and exercising outside with my face in the sun and toes in the grass! The dark, cold, and snowy months put a real nice damper on this for me. Personally, I regularly workout at home—I’ve accumulated a collection of weights, machines, and fitness equipment that suit my exercise routine. However, when I feel myself hitting this seasonal funk, I try to mix things up to stay active. Some of the things I’ve tried (and really enjoyed) are temporarily joining a new gym or fitness studio to access a different variety of exercise machines or enrolling in classes, (with hot yoga being a personal favorite!)
Other options are layering up to hike, walk, or skate with family or friends or participating in winter sports! It’s all about finding the right activity that keeps you motivated and moving…even when the weather is less than ideal!
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