Wellness Series || 10 Ways To Stay Healthy + Fit This Holiday Season

November 26, 2019

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Wellness Series || 10 Ways To Stay Healthy + Fit This Holiday Season

Well, we arrived home from our Park City adventure early evening yesterday and it was right back into the routine of life. Which, after five days off, felt pretty nice. This is an annual trip we take, and I love that when it comes to a close we transition right into Thanksgiving week. I like to look at this week as the kickstart of the holiday season….

And with it being the start of the holiday season, I always like to have a plan in place to ensure that I am able to remain healthy, both physically + mentally. I love to enjoy all the merriment of the season, without going too off track from my regular routines + structure. So today I teamed up with lululemon to bring you the ten ways I try to maintain balance during the most festive season of the year….

Workout In The Morning: In order to ensure that I get a little sweat session in, I opt for a morning workout… even more so during this time of the year. My logic here is that the holiday season brings with it a lot of demands + fun functions…. some scheduled and others unplanned. By getting in a workout in the morning I make sure that it gets done, distractions + all….
5 Minute Rule: If I’m running low on motivation, then I tell myself to give it 5 minutes…. if after 5 minutes I’m still not feeling the workout, then I stop. 90% of the time the end result is a really good workout…
Walk: Whenever possible. To grab a to-go cup of tea, during holiday shopping, to catch up with a girlfriend (kiddos in stroller, walking on the trail). Sneaking in those extra steps helps to accomplish two things at once…
Don’t Compare: During this time of the year, it’s easy to look around and compare yourself to so many different things… holiday cards, home decor, other people’s family, etc. Practicing gratitude helps to combat negative feelings that can come from comparing. When I focus all that I have to be grateful for, I focus more on the beauty of my life and not what it is lacking…
Say “No”: It’s tempting during this time of the year to want to say yes to every. sing. invitation. Yet, for some people (myself included), saying “no” is a way to maintain personal boundaries that protect my mental health. Leaning more towards to introverted side of the scale (ambivert to be exact) I do routine internal check-ins… would saying “yes” to this drain me more, and in turn take away from the joy of this season? If so, I politely decline…
Morning Ritual: For me, having a healthy morning ritual, that combines physical + mental components, helps to set a solid foundation for the day. Workout, healthy breakfast, multivitamin, Elderberry gummy (these have been helping so much this season), and a daily devotional (fills the “soul” category) help me to give myself the best start I can…
Recognize Shifting Relationships: Something I used to talk with clients about was that now that we are adults, we have a choice as to what relationships we want to allow to continue in our lives. The holidays are times that tend to bring around different family relationships/dynamics. If you find yourself in a position with a family member that brings about anxiety, remember that you have control over how you react + that you can set a boundary up around yourself. This looks different for various relationships, so it’s worth putting together a plan before a family gathering…..
Give Back: The saying that you get richer when you give is so true. I find that the more I give back to others, the better I ultimately feel. And while I try to give as much as possible throughout the year, I find that giving during this season helps me to focus on the true meaning of the season. There are so many different places to give back… check local churches, food banks, and homeless shelters if you’re looking for a way…..
80/20: I follow this rule in my everyday life, but I find it particularly helpful during the holiday season. I like to enjoy myself when I’m with family + friends… so I enjoy all the food + drinks… and then get back on track the next day. I always find that this helps me to strike a healthy balance. I never feel deprived, but it also helps me to not feel as if I’m always over indulging….
Be Present: It’s so easy to allow stress to seep in during this time of the year. Yet, I find I’m most stressed when I’m not present and looking into the future. When I’m in the moment, fully embracing it for all it is (sights, sounds, + feelings), I’m much less stressed. The holidays is a perfect time to practice being present. Enjoy the extra time with loved ones, focus on the moment, and know that there will be times to cross things off your “to-do” list. This moment isn’t one of them….

And, since I’m always about efficiency, I like to choose workout items that can seamlessly take me from workout to street without any fuss. Enter lululemon. I’ve always loved their items for the quality (many of their pieces I’ve had for several years) + their dual ability… I can easily squeeze in a workout and then head out to my everyday life wearing their pieces. The align leggings have been my go-to for this lately (seriously soft as butter), but I recently purchased these fast + free running tights and have been loving them…. particularly the fit (lots of great support) and the side pocket, perfect for my key and/or cell phone while I workout. The sleet street vest is great for layering in my morning workouts, or for wearing with leggings + jeans for an off-duty look. Annnd, I wore these gloves during the entire trip to Park City… they kept my hands so warm and cozy….

If you’re looking to gift someone the ability to move effortlessly from workout to street, then I have you covered (see below). I compiled a gift guide filled with excellent quality items from lululemon for women + men…. and with free shipping, returns, and order on-line + pick up in store, lululemom takes the stress out of picking up the perfect gift (which, I appreciate as a mom of two… on-line shopping all the way over here!)….

Also, be sure to check back here for their Black Friday sales…

Here is to a happy, healthy, + full holiday season friends!
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(Outfit Details || Leggings | Hoodie (size 6 for a looser fit) | Vest | Beanie | Gloves)