If the “most wonderful time of the year” has you stressed out from all those missed workouts and extra servings of stew, you’re not alone. Travel plans, holiday parties, and festive treats can ruin your workout plan, and before you know it, you’ll feel like you’re back to square one.
If that sounds familiar, we’ve got you covered. Here are some simple tips to help you keep your fitness goals on track this Christmas.
1. Say “Yes” to Less
If you’re ever stressed out just thinking about all the things you have to do this holiday season, adopt the “less is more” mantra. Instead of saying yes to every Secret Santa, potluck, and holiday happy hour you’re invited to, pick the events you’ll enjoy the most.
“It will create less stress overall,” says Stephanie Mansour, personal trainer and owner of Step up with Steph in Chicago. Plus, it’ll free up your schedule a bit, so you’ll have time to exercise while on vacation.
2. Reduce your workouts
Avoid the all-or-nothing approach when it comes to vacation fitness. If you don’t have time for your usual workout routine during the hectic holiday season, give yourself some time off and schedule shorter, less intense workouts.
“Less intense workouts mean you’ll be less intimidated to start them, and shorter workouts mean you can fit them into your schedule more easily,” says Mansour.
3. Put fitness on the schedule
It’s easy to overcommit during the holidays — and when it feels like you don’t have any free time, your fitness goals can find themselves on the back burner.
Leave some wiggle room in your schedule so it’s easier to find time to exercise. “Don’t plan things back to back,” Mansour says. Instead of jumping straight from work to a holiday party, for example, schedule a short break in between, then use that time to do a 10-minute workout or some quick core exercises.
Better yet, set aside time for workouts before you start filling your schedule with vacation obligations – and write down what workout you’ll be doing so you don’t get stuck in decision mode.
4. Focus on adding healthy foods
We know that Christmas cookies and holiday cocktails aren’t usually the healthiest options. But saying “no” to yourself over and over again can get pretty exhausting – and deflating.
Instead of operating in deprivation mode, focus on to add healthy foods that will fuel your vacation fitness goals, like an extra serving of veggies at brunch or protein with your grandma’s pasta dinner. “By focusing on what you box have, you’ll be in the mindset to do healthier things for yourself,” Mansour says. “Add stuff and feel good about what you’re doing for your body.”
And if you want to check both the “healthy” and “process” the boxes simultaneously, Shakeology provides dense nutrition and Versatility. Enjoy milkshakes, “ice creams”, pies and more while fueling your body with superfood nutrients at the same time.
5. Prioritize self-care
Don’t feel ready to exercise? Instead of vegetating on the couch, choose a self-care activity: do a relaxing yoga sequence, meditate, or go for a walk.
What to do if you go off track
If you feel like you’ve fallen off the fitness wagon, get back to your routine with just one healthy choice. “Just because you made 10 unhealthy choices doesn’t mean the whole day is wasted,” Mansour says. “Think of each day, time and choice as its own and separate from others.”
So even if you skipped your morning workout to meet friends for brunch — and then went a little overboard with mimosas and puff pastry — you can still save the day by streaming a workout. afternoon training. Every healthy choice adds up!
