As December unfolds and the festive season is well and truly in full flow the atmosphere transforms, it's a magical time bringing lots joy but also poses a challenge for those looking to stick to their fitness and health goals. I spoke at length this morning during a run with a client about maintaining discipline and how we can transition into January without it impacting massively on our Christmas and Festive "Celebrations"!
The Holiday Rush: A Time for Celebration
December is a month filled with gatherings of friends and family, creating wonderful memories and celebrating the year’s achievements. But with holiday parties, Christmas dinners, and various social outings scheduled, it's common for people to neglect their usual routines - I've seen this year on year and the impact one month, or a matter of weeks can have! Having worked for so long and to let it completely slip over a number of weeks and struggle to get back to the same routine.
Even the most committed individuals can feel overwhelmed by the temptation of festive indulgences. For example, a typical holiday dinner can have over 3,000 calories, which is nearly double the recommended daily intake for many adults (depending on individual goals). It’s crucial to remember that indulging in these celebrations does not mean abandoning your discipline entirely - this is when you MUST JUST SHOW UP!
Finding Balance in the Festivities
It's essential to understand that maintaining some level of discipline during December does not require sacrificing fun. Instead, create a balance between enjoying the festivities and attending to your health priorities - where possible maintain your activity levels, for me personally this is non-negotiable!
Consider this: even just 30 minutes of physical activity can significantly counterbalance holiday indulgences, and this is why I LOVE our morning Zoom Training sessions as they keep me accountable and make sure I'm staying on the right side of everything. If you aren't doing my live morning training sessions then WHY NOT! You can sign up completely FREE for 7 days here - https://www.ianyoungonline.com/plans-pricing
Keeping active during this time not only boosts your mood but also keeps you feeling good throughout the holiday season and will give a MASSIVE sense of ACCOMPLISHMENT.
Simple Strategies for Staying Disciplined
To help you maintain your discipline this holiday season, consider these practical strategies:
Set Realistic Expectations: Acknowledge that your routine might temporarily shift due to holiday commitments. Instead of lengthy workouts, opt for shorter, intense sessions. For instance - my Online Training Programme (just saying LOL).
Prioritise Movement: Seek out physical activities that involve family and friends. You could possibly organise group training sessions or outings to keep you more accountable to others. This way, you blend exercise with socialising, making fitness more enjoyable during the festive season.
Establish Non-Negotiables: Determine key activities you won’t skip during the month. This could mean committing to a daily walk of 20 minutes or performing a set number of exercises - for me the live morning sessions are absolutely non-negotiable. These small commitments add up over time.
Stay Mindful of Choices: It’s perfectly fine to enjoy holiday treats, but moderation is key. You can appreciate everything without overindulging.
Preparing for January
The festive season is not just about celebration; it’s also an ideal time to consider your goals for the upcoming year. I have quite a few entering or on the edge of entering Fitness Competitions in 2025 - it will be an exciting time for them and for me to help programme their journey. By keeping some discipline throughout December, you can ease your return to your regular routine in January with pretty much seamless ease.
Maintaining foundational habits allows you to sidestep the dreaded “new year slump.” Instead of battling to regain your fitness level, you can feel recharged and ready to tackle your goals confidently from day one.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit with Purpose
December can be both a joyful and challenging month for those committed to their health and fitness. By prioritising discipline and actively engaging throughout the festive season, you set yourself up for a seamless transition into January. Implement simple strategies to encourage balance, allowing you to enjoy the holiday spirit while remaining focused on your goals.
As you celebrate this December, remember to enjoy the festivities, maintain your discipline, and prepare for a powerful new year ahead!
Keep working hard.
Ian
Comments