Have you ever noticed how life gets put on hold November 1-January 1? It’s almost as though people’s lives go into limbo for 2 months out of the year as the Holidays get under way. Is this you? Do you stop taking care of yourself, putting your own health last, and dogging your exercise routine? I know time is valuable and it seems like we have less of it during the Holidays. However, staying on track and sticking to your health goals and routines should still be the priority. Why? Because we have all heard the saying; “If you aren’t there for yourself, how can you be there for anyone else?”

Remember, the Holidays come every year, ready or not. Don’t put everything on hold for them, especially your health and fitness. Stick to your routine. Life is stressful enough, compounded by the Holidays, late nights, busy days, parties, extra food, alcohol; it all adds up and doesn’t take long to catch up to us. We gain weight, our sleep is off, we are eating things our body doesn’t like and on January 2, we are left picking up the pieces of our two-month ether.

My philosophy throughout my own life has been to take care of myself first. Making sure I still plan my meals, get enough rest and no matter what, I try never to miss my workouts. I am much happier this way, a lot less stressed, more rested, less likely to overeat, and not 10 pounds heavier on January 2.

Don’t make excuses for why you can’t. Exercise should be part of your weekly routine 2 to 6 times per week. In order to stay on somewhat of a schedule through the Holidays, you may have to adjust your sleep schedule, or say no to an excessive amount of parties. Prioritize! Get enough rest, make sure you are sticking as close to your meal plan as possible, don’t over indulge in alcohol and try not to eat excessive amounts of sugar. Find balance through the Holidays. If you know your schedule is going to be thrown off then make the effort to; take a cat nap, prepare and take a meal with you; schedule a workout with a friend or commit to a class to stay on your routine, connect with loved ones or your spouse. Please don’t wing it through the Holidays. Your health and well-being should always come first. Go for a walk/run, do a home workout, so many options for staying on your course to health. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make that time to GET IT DONE! When you feel good physically, emotionally and mentally you are better prepared for all those curve balls that come your way.

Remember at In8 Wellness, we take your health seriously. We offer fitness, nutrition and wellness counseling. If you find yourself struggling through the Holidays, set up a consultation.

Janet Esterkes
Nutrition and Fitness Coach