The Holiday Season Has Begun

So are you getting to look like the woman in the picture already?  The season has begun.  When I see Christmas décor up BEFORE Thanksgiving I begin to hyperventilate.  It just makes me feel rushed and out of control – kind of like everyone else is way ahead of me.  Well, that’s really not the case – everyone feels just as stressed as you do.  Want to get through the season and actually enjoy it for once?  Here are a few tips to make the journey a smooth one:

Don't compromise your workouts! Stay on the same schedule you maintain year-round.  Feeling too stressed for Spin class?  Make yourself go – you will clear your head and come away actually feeling more relaxed and able to take accomplish even more.  

Watch your food intake – try to eat a clean diet MOST of the time.  That means the 80/20 rule.  If 20% of your food intake is not the best choice:  i.e. cookies, cake, candy, too much alcohol, etc., it is a small amount and will not cause a big weight gain.  The last thing we want to do is wake up on January 2^nd and realize that we have to chisel away at the pounds.  So control that before it starts.

Don’t feel obligated to compete with someone else.  If you don’t feel like baking, decorating or sending cards – don’t!  Make it your holiday and just go with the flow.  Trust me – I have been there, done that and it really feels good.

Last but not least: remember that you need to nurture and take care of yourself first before you can take care of others.  This is personal, so whatever helps you to relax is what you need to do.  That might mean taking in a movie with your significant other or just sitting on the couch watching Netflix with Fluffy the cat nestled in your lap.  Make it be about you – this may seem selfish but, guess what?  You’re worth it! 

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.