It’s the time of year for holiday parties, eating, drinking, and seeing old friends! The holiday season is meant to be a time to enjoy the company of those you love, create experiences and memories and have a good time. However, a lot of us can end up neglecting our routines, feel stressed when managing the social chaos, and even try to find a quick fix to look perfect before showing up to your social gathering. For myself, the biggest adjustment for me at this time of year is sleep. I need lots since I work early mornings but over the last few weeks that sleep routine has been neglected - but all for a good cause, enjoying time with friends and family!

I’ve put together my list of things to do over the next few weeks during this busy time of year to not only help myself stay on track and in the right mindset, but maybe help some of you too!

Plan your workouts in advance and stick to your schedule. December is a very easy month to neglect and put off workouts due to the perceived lack of time we have. However, we all know when the holiday lunches and parties take place, so why not plan the workouts around that to keep up with your training. You already know the benefits exercising can give you, that is why you keep it up, so this time of year should be no different. By sticking to your workout plan, it can be a constant throughout the month when eating, drinking, and lack of sleep might begin to take over.
Enjoy all of the holiday baking! (…or eating, or drinking!) It is totally okay to indulge and enjoy. I don’t always like the term “guilty pleasure” because there should be nothing guilty about it! If you love it, go for it! Social gatherings usually happen around food and drink so rather than feeling poorly about it, make the most of it. I don’t drink alcohol myself, but I like to enjoy holiday baking and festive food I wouldn’t otherwise be eating if it weren’t for Christmas. I usually try to taste a little bit of everything on my plate to leave me feeling satisfied but without having overeaten after the fact.
There is NO magic trick or pill. This tip especially applies to those who might be going away or catching up with old friends you want to impress. There is no magic diet or exercise plan to look your best before that big day. Continue what you are doing in your regular healthy routine and you will feel and look your best.

At the end of the day the holiday season usually requires a reset and a desire to get back to routine once it is all over. Hopefully what this time of year does is make you appreciate the healthy habits you have created over the year and put them to the test when your schedule fills up. Be thankful for the time you get to celebrate family and friends rather than stressing out over trying something from the dessert table. Life was meant to be lived and enjoyed!

Be fierce. Be strong. Be vibrant.

Rachel

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'Tis the Season!