The holidays are upon us. This is the time of year where merriment, gratitude, celebration and sugar plums start dancing in your head. You know what else is starting? Holiday parties, cocktails after work and desserts in the office. Mmmmmmm…. Christmas cookies.
It’s easy to put off getting healthy until after the new year. Logically, a fresh start sounds like a good idea, once all the holiday parties are out of the way. I’m here to tell you it isn’t. The adage ‘don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today’ has never been truer. Consistency is where it’s at. And I’m here to let you in on a secret. Are you ready? It’s okay to enjoy yourself at holiday parties. Trust me, you’ll be much better off if you hit the gym through the holiday season rather than waiting until January. You may not make progress, but you will most certainly stave off unwanted holiday weight. So friends, if you are looking to start a new health routine, the best time is today. Start. Right. Now.
Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
Check out these 6 tips on how to crush your health resolution:
1. Identify your motivation.
There is a reason you decided to choose health as a resolution. Think about that reason, hone it and let it drive you to accomplish your goal.
2. Commit to consistency.
The biggest stumbling block isn’t the parties, it’s not showing up to the gym day after day. After a while it gets easier to make excuses to stop going. Commit to a certain number of exercise days per week and get it done. Even if it means walking slowly on a treadmill. Be there. That is what counts.
3. Be accountable.
There is strength in numbers. Find a buddy or two or three to exercise with. Having support goes a long way in accomplishing your goals. So does accountability. It’s easier to stay committed when you have friends at your side. It’s also easier to sneak in a quick workout before the holiday cocktails start.
4. Mark it down.
Whether it’s at home or on your desk, a physical calendar will help you stay on track. Visual cues help keep you focused and accountable to yourself. If you stare your goal in the face, it becomes very hard to ignore.
5. Prioritize yourself.
You are the most important person in your world. A healthy mind and body is required for you to be the best version of yourself. You are second to none so put yourself first and make the time to exercise. Your time is valuable; use it wisely.
6. Cut yourself some slack.
This one may seem counter intuitive, but everyone falls off track at some point. It’s particularly easy during the holidays. If you miss a workout one week, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s okay and it happens. The trick is showing up the next week. Get back on the path.
Still not convinced to start now? Research shows that exercise resolutions fall off the third week in January. You know who is still at the gym in February? The same people that were there in December. Start. Right. Now.