The silly season seems to have crept up on us very quickly this year around. Are you finally get things back on track after lockdown and now stressing out about all the festivities to come over silly season? Are you worried you’ll lose momentum and have to start from scratch in the new year? or have you just given up on all things health and fitness for 2020 because well, its been a rather strange year for everyone.
Well I am not about to try convince you to do otherwise, I am going to encourage you to make small changes well in advance to set your self up before the silly season hits.
Look I know starting over is tough, so why stop in the first place? You are going to save yourself allot of the grunt work if you just stick to an established routine over the festive period. So for those of you have got a routine of regular exercise, in a habit of making generally good nutrition choices, stay hydrated and prioritise 7-9 hours of sleep – for you I will say, try stick to your routine as best you can, even if you have to cut corners here and there, generally sticking to a routine will make you feel allot more accomplished and will help you get back to the swing of things once your back on track with work, kids, responsibilities and all the other good stuff.
Those of you who don’t really have any of the above going on, no habits or routines that form your regular day to day. Well for you my advise looks slightly different. As silly season is approaching I would suggest you try incorporate some sort of routine to ensure you don’t become a couch potato and whine when 2021 hits you.
So why habits? why routines? habits and routines have the power to shape your day. Daily consistent action is the only thing that matters, action is what takes you from where you are, to where you want to be.
Here are some very basic good habits you should try include daily and throughout the silly season to make sure you stay on track;
Move, move, move – make daily movement a priority, go for a walk in the mornings, play with the kids, do some extra house work that you never had the time for, go to the beach or pools. Keep busy and moving. Try get active as early as possible before the day gets hectic with plans and festivities.
Exercise – try include some sort of physical activity at least 3 times a week. Lift things up, join a virtual class, go for a run, swim a couple lengths of the pool, practice your core engagement, do some stretching. Anything is better than nothing.
Eat mindfully – make better food choices. Eating well, staying nourished and healthy is so important especially when doing more drinking and staying up later than usual. Make sure you load your plate with healthy veg, greens and salads most of the time.
Don’t go to an event or gathering hungry. Eat something sustainable before you go so you dont overdo it on the finger eats, cheese and chips.
Make healthy platters – if your taking a platter to an event, make a health conscious one. something you’ll enjoy and something that probably won be already made. So you know there are healthier options when you feel like snacking.
Stay hydrated – sometimes we confuse hunger for thirst, make sure your getting in enough fluids especially in our beautiful hot summer months.
Watch what you drink – Alcohol can be very high in energy and added sugars, especially if you’re having festive cocktails or G&Ts. You can limit your alcohol intake or try the new zero alcohol options that are becoming a healthy lifestyle trend. You can also choose sugar free mixes, low calories wines or opt for lite options.
Sleep is still important. Even though your on holiday and probably having more lazy days, getting in your 7-9 hours is still important for your health. On the flip side sleeping too much can make you feel sluggish and tired, so aim to opt for at least 7 hours per night.
Don’t beat yourself up. Remember it okay to indulge but don’t over indulge, there is a huge difference – moderation is key. have some pudding, or extra serve – just don’t over do it and try wait 20 min after eating to make sure your really still hungry.
Relax and Have fun, your on holidays after all. Silly season is all about socializing, celebrating and making memories right? so do it, but be mindful of your choices in activity, food and drinks.
There is always a healthier option to anything, put your health first, make good choices, have fun and make this festive season count.
XM
the holistic approach 