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…
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Good for you! I’ve enjoyed seeing your Runstreak pics (each in a different outfit) 😉 I’ve had the trees up (andmost of the decorations), but the cards are happening this weekend…and so is the start of the baking….
Still no tree here, sigh. Just not a priority of the people in this house apparently. Cards arrived Saturday, now I need to send them out before March LOL.
Ya know, I much prefer working out at home or going for a run, too. It’s just easier and less intimidating! These are great tips. Bring on the yummies!
It just takes less effort to walk into the other room and pick up weights than to put on public appropriate workout clothes, drive to the gym, and figure out what I want to do.
I don’t know how we did it before Amazon!? I guess we braved the crowds!
I used to love going to the mall. Now if I can’t buy it online or at Target, I learn to do without LOL.
My sister and I would always put a calendar together for my Grandparents back in they day with all my cousins and us in it throughout the year. I knew they really enjoyed that. I am trying to do the Running Streak from Thanksgiving to New Years. So far so good, but today was the most challenging day. I didn’t feel well but I still forced myself to do a run/walk on the treadmill for a little over a mile just to get it in.
Good job with the streak. I love doing it every winter. Some days it’s the only time I get up from my computer…
These are all great ..especially the partner idea! The hubs and I do most all of our workouts together ..it keeps us motivated and accountable!
Awesome! I wish my husband would workout with me, but he runs to fast and I don’t like to bike LOL.