Enjoying The Holidays Without Totally Losing Your Shit
The holiday season can be chaotic, and many people struggle to stay consistent with their health, productivity, or personal growth. I am guilty of this! Between hectic traveling, the hustle & bustle everywhere you look, and all the extra calories & pressures, it can be alot. So let's talk about how we can get ahead of the chaos by setting realistic goals & expectations, all while *trying reallllly hard* to be our best selves in the process. And enjoying ourselves simultaneously. We really want it all, don't we?
1. Pick your non-negotiables
The holiday season is officially here, which means it’s time to juggle 100 things at once—decorating, gifting, parties, family, and yes, still trying to stick to those wellness and life goals we all care about. But here’s the thing: You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be intentional.
Not everything is going to fit into your schedule, and that’s okay! Decide on 2-3 things that are non-negotiable. Maybe it’s sticking to your 3 workouts a week, drinking your greens every morning, or keeping your Sunday family dinners sacred. Focus on the things that make you feel strong, grounded, and YOU. The rest? It can wait until January, trust me.
*Helpful tip: write down your top 3 negotiables. Maybe it's on your phone's notes, or maybe you're a visual girly like myself, and write them down on a sticky note to place on your fridge or mirror. If you can cross off these 3 little things every day, you'll feel really good about yourself during these holidays.
2. Set Micro Goals Girl
This is not the time to shoot for the moon. Think bite-sized. If your usual goal is to hit the gym 5 days a week, make it 3 during the holidays. Want to read 3 books this month? Try for one awesome audiobook instead. You’ll feel accomplished without overloading yourself.
This is also an INCREDIBLE time to PLAN. Got a 3 hour flight home? Pull your laptop out and write out that business plan you've been dreaming about, or schedule your new weekly routine alongside your husband (highly recommend). Tackle the small things off your to-do list so that you can enter the New Year ready to go with a plan on day 1! We love to hit the ground running over here.
3. Create a Flexible Routine
Say it with me: “Flexibility is not failure.” The holidays are unpredictable, so instead of a rigid schedule, think intentional habits. Maybe you can’t do your 60-minute workout because the kids need you, but a quick 20-minute walk? That’s a win. Your routine is there to serve you, not stress you out.
If you are in a relationship or will be around family, communication here is key! When staying with others or traveling I find it's been super beneficial to set the routine/your requests right off the bat. "Hey (insert parent, spouse, etc), super excited to be here! I just need 45 mins a day for you to watch the kids so that I can work out. Whatever works best for you, just let me know so that I can plan. Other than that I am fully ready to just be here and enjoy our time together!" You can also do an early morning check in first thing to make sure everyone is on the same page.
I also find by setting expectations like this early on, there is a less chance anyone's feelings get hurt! We all know how family can be, so let's communicate, communicate, communicate!
4. Give Yourself Grace
Not everything will go to plan, and honestly? That’s part of the magic of this time of year. If you miss a workout or indulge in a little extra pie, give yourself some love, not a guilt trip. The holidays are about connection and joy—don’t forget that while you’re crushing it.
"One salad isn't going to make you skinny & one cheeseburger isn't going to make you fat." And that is so true! A couple of days indulging won't hurt you terribly, but let's also try to balance it out. Had a sweet treat for desert? Love that for you. Grab your Dad who needs to workout and ask him to go on a walk with you afterwards. Not only will you physically feel better, but your dad will be grateful for the time together. 2 birds 1 stone, we love that!
Or there's always that post meal "cousin walk" however that might result in more fat & fancy eating. But go on with ya bad self!
5. Visualize Your Success (and Rewards!)
Picture yourself on January 1 feeling proud of what you accomplished AND like you fully soaked up the holiday season. Reward yourself along the way, whether it’s a little self-care (hello, bath and wine) or a date night that fills your cup.
Now is the perfect time to say out loud what you are working towards in the New Year. No seriously, tell all those friends & family what you are CLAIMING! Speak it into existence! Day dream during those long travel days about what it will be like WHEN you accomplish that goal. Feel that feeling, soak in every sense you will feel, touch, hear, smell & taste.
Because if you believe it, you can achieve it.
Now is the perfect time of year to work on that believing, sister.
