Tips for staying fit during the holiday season

Shoo turned to me recently and asked the date. When I told him it was the 6th, he turned to me and exclaimed “Mom, Christmas is less than 20 days away!” Yes, Dear Child, thank you for sending me into a panic. I immediately went online and ordered Christmas cards (from Cards Direct again because it was fast and easy) and put together the photo calendar I do each year (which necessitated staying up until midnight, which totally went against my recent “get more sleep” attempts.) This has definitely been a week where I’m juggling (not totally successfully) all.the.things. But other than the calendar night, I’ve been really good about two things – 1) going to bed even if things aren’t “done”, because really things are never totally done and 2) getting in a workout each day.

I’m never going to be that person who goes to a holiday party and doesn’t eat the yummies. Nor am I going to turn down a good beer when it’s offered to me. But I like my party dress to fit at the end of the season, so I focus on two things: eating right when I’m not socializing and getting in a workout of some sort every single day. I know this time of year is crazy busy, but I guarantee you won’t regret that daily sweat session. So, here are some tips on how to make it happen…

1. Find a time in your schedule that works for you and schedule it! If you make it an appointment on your calendar, you are much more likely to do it. Even if the only time you have free is for a walk at lunch, do it. My “timing” changes day to day, but lately the best time for me seems to be about an hour after the kids leave for school. I get a few things done for work or around the house and then I run or lift or whatever. Usually I’m done before 10am, which is when I tend to start having work meetings. (Or you could be super lucky like me and have a boss who doesn’t care if you walk on the treadmill during conference calls.)
2. Do whatever activity/movement *you* enjoy. I want to love the new classes that are being offered, but deep down, I’m really just a work out at home or go for a run kind of girl. Thankfully I have quite the home gym, so I can do a lot without leaving my house.
3. Try something new. I actually just started a new to me program. It involves weights and some changes to the way I eat. I’m only a few days into it, but so far I’m loving it and am pleased with how it’s making me feel. I’ve had to compromise on how much I’m running (still doing the Runner’s World Streak though), but it seems like it’s going to be worth it. I’ll talk more about the program soon.
4. Every little bit counts and be proud of every positive choice you make. WYCWYC. Progress Not Perfection. Do some squats at your desk. Pace during a conference call. Heck, I’ve been hearing stories on the Runner’s World Streak Facebook page about people running their mile in their hotel room! Do what you can.
5. Find a challenge. I’ve been doing the “Real Women Move” challenge for a while. I’m also doing the ZOOMA Winter Challenge and plan to do their Run Love Challenge. And, as I mentioned, I’m streaking. Anything that reminds you to move at least a little bit each day is good.
6. Find a partner or a cheerleader. I love my run club and my MRTT groups. I choose to work out by myself most of the time, but even when I don’t run with them, I get lots of cheering. We also have a mileage group, where you log your miles. We all have different goals, so the point isn’t competition, but rather support.

This time of year is so busy. And the busiest days are coming – we have holiday parties, races, and concerts taking up the next few weeks. Thank goodness for online shopping or no one here would be getting anything. Because, yes, I prioritize my run over going to the mall. But perhaps I should actually find time to put up the tree…

I’m joining Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness  for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!