Learn From Your Experience and Keep Going

Thanksgiving is over.  November is in the rear view mirror.  We are now in the countdown to holiday cheer, parties, ho-ho-ho, gift giving and all the rest.  It's a tall order.  I am hearing from my workout studio to focus on goals and regular workouts and not get distracted by the demands of December, the weather and lagging motivation.  It is good advice for all of us.  

First, let's consider how things are going so far.  How was Thanksgiving, i.e. the pressures of eating, indulging, trying this and that, getting carried away by nostalgia or family drama?  We thought about it ahead of time.  Did it go according to plan?  If so, give yourself a lot of credit.  If not, for whatever reason, then it's time to refocus on what you really want.   Let's keep moving because no matter what the reason, the behavior change has to happen.  Even a baby step in the right direction is enough to get you moving along and refocused on the present and the future.  The past is just that--over--and done.  Leave it there and move on.

Because the month of December is often full of socializing, pot-lucks, decorating, holiday prepping, cooking, entertaining, shopping at crowded stores, we have our work cut out for us.  Knowing this, it is time to make a realistic plan for what can happen this week.  Where are the hot spots that might distract us?  What are the challenges?  Let's identify these in advance, for this week and no more. Then, let's develop a strategy for coping.  Is there one event that is so much more point-worthy than another?  Is there an occasion that you might like to skip so you can stay home and relax, recharge and spend some ME TIME?  It's up to you.  Feeling depleted, exhausted or frustrated will not make it easier to follow the program.  It will make it stressful.

Consider giving yourself a gift that keeps on giving this December.  What about the gift of good health.  That means quality sleep, taking frequent mini breaks throughout the day, having appetizing snacks for yourself at all times, indulging in what really matters and is worth it.  What about treating yourself to some ME TIME at the gym, at the massage studio, at a coffee shop so you can enjoy the holiday season too?  You're worth it.  The gift is priceless.