The holiday season is in full swing, and if you're feeling the strain on your routine, you're not alone. It's that time of year when our typical schedules get tossed aside, making it challenging to stick to our health and fitness goals.
As we approach the next few weeks filled with holiday parties, family gatherings, and perhaps a vacation or two, it's crucial to acknowledge that your routine won't be perfect—and that's perfectly fine. Managing expectations during this season is key to staying on track without unnecessary stress.
The temptation to take a break from training or put health goals on hold is real, but a word of caution: restarting a routine can be more challenging than you think. Even fitness enthusiasts with years of consistent training, like myself, find it tough to bounce back after just a week off the usual regimen.
Based on my experience working with thousands of individuals over a decade, I've witnessed routine "pauses" turn into complete abandonments. The longer you stay out of your routine, the harder it becomes to reestablish it.
It's also important to draw attention to the fact that life's curveballs don't limit themselves to the holiday season. Learning to navigate through disruptions now will prepare you for the unexpected challenges that lie ahead. Embrace inconvenient times as opportunities to learn and grow.
Our health and fitness are part of an infinite game, and those who persevere during tough times stay in the game. Think of it as an opportunity to develop resilience. Even if you manage just one workout in certain weeks, that's enough to keep at least a part of your routine in tact.
Pro tip: If a full workout seems unattainable on certain days, take a 5-minute walk around your usual workout time. It keeps the exercise routine alive and sets the stage for an easier comeback post-holiday season.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. If you need support, reach out. Let's navigate the challenges together, and make sure you emerge from the holiday season stronger and more resilient. Keep pushing—you've got this!
