I say, let's resist! I say even though it's pretty nasty weather outside and there's all this pressure from everywhere to not take care of ourselves, light a candle for our country (or just your friends. Or just yourself!) and treat yourself well in the end of December. Here's a few ways to do just that - not all of them are fitness-centered, but they're all health-centered:
1. Whatever gifts you buy/make, do it with intention. You make the best choices when you're calm and centered, not when you're running around Target like an insane person shoving iTunes cards in your cart. Everyone I know has told me repeatedly that their favorite gifts to receive are the thoughtful ones, not the expensive or trendy ones. You'll end up feeling much better about the gifts you give, and be less stressed about finding them.
2. Spend at least 30 minutes a day moving your body and breathing. I'm not saying you have to get to the gym and work out for an hour and a half...trying to make time for your normal workout routine might make your life feel more stressful in this busy time of the year. But a little physical activity can keep the stress from turning into a neck spasm and low back tightness from turning into a herniated disc. Just do something, mindfully. If, on the other hand, the gym feels like an oasis in this world of crazy, then by all means get the heck in there as often as possible!!
3. Pretend it's already New Year's. I don't mean that you should bust out the champagne or (ill-advisedly) make out with your co-workers. I mean you should consider telling yourself that your New Year's resolutions are starting today, this minute. What do you want to do differently? How can you shift things in your life/thoughts to be more the person you want to be? Don't spend the next two weeks getting all the bad stuff in and over with so you can start fresh. Just...don't do all those things in the first place. I guarantee you'll feel better about yourself come January 1.
4. Get enough sleep. This season is infamous for the colds/fevers that get passed around (I've had half my clients cancel in the last week due to illness, and I'm home with my sick kiddo today). Between holiday parties and other shenanigans, our schedule gets crapped and we try to make up for it by going to bed later and/or getting up earlier. You can't really control your exposure to sick people or the weather, but you can control your rest. Get. Enough. Sleep. Or. You. Will. Get. Sick.
5. Enjoy food/drink in moderation - if you can't, abstain! Some people can't have anything alcoholic or sweet, even a taste - it sets off irresistible cravings and they have a hard time stopping themselves from overdoing it. For some of us, though, a little bit won't turn into a gallon...in that case, there's no reason to deny ourselves the fun and good feelings that comes from eggnog and homemade cookies. Just don't go crazy with it.
Lastly, a reminder that all the deals listed at the top of this page are in effect through January. I'm meeting with several people this month to help them get started on a healthier path. BEFORE the New Year...lemme know if you want to be one of them! ;)
