HOW TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

• Prioritize  – You may not be able to maintain your normal level and schedule of self care during the holidays, but you can still prioritize the self care practices that are essential for you. Sleep, working out, eating healthy, meditating, journaling and/or time to yourself. What practices do you need to preserve to not feel depleted? How can you structure your day to prioritize and ensure those happen?
• Set “Do-Able” Minimums – Even though you prefer to work out for an hour 6 days a week, is it more reasonable/”do-able” to commit to working out for a minimum of 30 minutes 5 days a week during the holidays? If your optimum amount of sleep is 8 hours a night, set a reasonable minimum of 7.5 hours a night or reduce the amount of time you meditate/journal in the morning or evening to a 5 or 10 minute minimum. Setting yourself up to maintain these practices at a reduced level will allow you stay consistent with your self care and not completely lose your routine.
• Be Prepped + Prepared – From packing your gym bag the night before, to prepping your lunches for the week; with a more packed schedule, more on your mind and a higher stress level, it’s important to make sure you prep and prepare for your daily self care. Anything you can do in advance will help you feel so much more organized and grounded!
• Limit Your Availability – Connecting and celebrating with your friends and family is definitely a big part of the holidays. By limiting your availability, you’ll be able to make the most out of your holiday, but not feel overwhelmed. Only say “yes” to the events and invitations you really want to go to, limit the amount of time you spend there and don’t feel obligated to completely fill your calendar. Maintaining time boundaries is an important way to protect your self care routine.
• Streamline +  Outsource – Streamlining your self care reduces the amount of time, energy, etc. you spend thinking about it and also helps create a routine. Streamline everything. Wake up at the same time and follow morning rituals that include set times for meditation and workouts. Pack the same food for lunch and snacks everyday. Create a process for everything and keep it simple! Another way to increase efficiency and decrease stress around the holidays is to outsource. Use Instacart or Amazon Fresh for grocery delivery, hire someone to clean your house, work with a trainer or sign up for group fitness classes. Free up some bandwidth and you’ll feel like you actually have enough time for all the extra stuff going on!

Need help? Create your own strategy using my Healthy Holiday Self Care Checklist below! 

HEALTHY HOLIDAY SELF CARE CHECKLIST

• Sleep – Not only does lack of sleep contribute to weight gain, if you are exhausted, you are going to get less done with more effort. Set a time to be in bed (without screens) and the same wake time everyday.
• Meditation/Journaling – Figure out what time of day is best and what method of mindfulness (ie. spiritual practice/self connection) works for you. Establishing this practice will make more of a difference to your overall health and well being than you realize (goodbye cravings, anxiety, bad moods and the self-critical voice in your head).
• Nutrition – Plan out how you are going to eat healthy during the holiday season. Whether that means prepping egg muffins on Sundays for quick grab and go breakfasts, buying ready made Koia shakes for post workout or signing up for a meal kit delivery.
• Fitness – What’s your fitness plan for the holidays? Do you have a set schedule you already love? If not, get one written down (ie. M, W, F – BbE Classes at Club Form +  30 minutes of cardio T, TR). Figure out what days of the week you are working out, what time and for how long. Put the details in your calendar with a reminder if you need it!
• Detox – Are there habits, behaviors, people, places or thoughts you need to let go of? Crowd them out this holiday season with everything that feeds your soul! Make a list of healthy habits, positive people, places you connect to and thoughts that build and enhance you. Make space and room for them and crowd out everything toxic.
• Nurture – Find a way to wrap yourself up in the quiet and coziness of the holiday season. Even if it’s as simple as sipping a cup of tea and watching the snow fall. Take a bath, indulge in a nap, light some candles…just make sure you have a plan to include a way to nurture yourself mind, body and soul every week.

I hope you take some time this week to create and plan out your healthy holiday self care strategy and can set yourself up for a truly amazing, more relaxing and healthier holiday season! xo