I think most of us feel this way – there is just not enough time in a day. Between school, work, and family life, I find it challenging to make time for much else. Around the holidays, schedules tend to get even tighter. I know exercising has tremendous benefits, but it’s always the first thing thrown out the window when I get busy. How is it that I can be so passionate about exercising and feeling my best and then I just throw it overboard when life gets too crazy? Is it even possible to stay fit over the holidays? I’ve been in this vicious cycle for a few years now.
For me, exercising is a necessity
It wasn’t until recently that I found my reason to make time for exercise, even on my busiest days. At the age of 22, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Having this genetic disease means my body cannot break down carbohydrates into energy. This causes the blood sugar to reach dangerously high levels. Type 1 diabetes is controlled with a well-balanced diet, insulin injections, and regular exercise.
Through experimentation, I have found that something as little as walking my dog twice a day helps regulate my blood sugar. This is huge! Not only does high blood sugar cause fatigue, nausea, and brain fog for the couple hours it typically lasts, it also causes long term effects such as kidney and nerve damage. Incorporating some sort of physical activity into my daily routine makes me happier and healthier. Plus, I know it helps prolong the long-term complications of diabetes. When I exercise regularly, I tend to feel energized and rarely get sick. That’s right… No mid-winter colds to slow me down. It’s a win-win! Yet even with all of these benefits, I still struggle to stay motivated for my daily workouts during the chaotic holiday season.
Tip # 1: For Holidays & Beyond
I love starting my morning with a glass of water. I have found that carrying a water bottle with me everywhere I go almost doubles my daily intake. You don’t realize how much better you feel until you cut out the sweetened beverages and replace them with water. If you’re at a holiday party, avoid the extra calories in overindulgent drinks and drink sparkling water instead. Try flavoring it with fruits or a splash of sparkling cider. Yuuuuuummmm.
Tip #2: Keep on Moving & Sweating
All I mean by this is: don’t sit around all day. Park at the far end of the parking lot when you’re out holiday shopping, and walk the extra distance to get to the store. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Don’t be afraid to pop a few squats while cooking your Thanksgiving dinner, or to lunge from your car into the house. Keep your blood flowing! I promise you will feel better.
Tip #3: Get Your ZZZZZ’s to Stay Fit Over the Holidays
Between holiday parties, shopping, and cooking, our sleep schedules can get out of whack. This is even more likely when you have young children. Adequate sleep is vital to a happy, healthy you. Too little or even too much sleep can throw you off. Sleep allows your body to recover from stress – physical or emotional. It allows your muscles to build and repair after each workout and is essential for muscle growth. So, exercise every day, relax before bed, and do your best to stay on a regular sleep schedule to stay rested during the holidays and beyond.
Stay On Track – You CAN Stay Fit Over the Holidays!
To help me stay fit during the holidays, I always plan my day the night before. This helps me find enough time for what needs to get done and also set aside time for the things that keep me happy. That’s important too! I find time to fit in some exercise, and always keep a clean change of gym clothes in my car so there’s no excuse not to go. It’s little things like this that make a big impact and can make or break your healthy routine. What do you need motivation for? Eating in moderation on Thanksgiving? Keeping up with your fitness goals? What will keep you motivated this holiday season? I encourage you to share the tips and tricks that work for you; you never know whom you might inspire!
