It’s December friends and that means holiday parties, shopping, wine, dessert, and way too much food. It’s the time when many of us give up on our well-being and loose focus on what sustains our strength and happiness. I’ve definitely been there. We make excuses and have a little extra dessert, a little more wine, an extra glass of champagne. I love celebration and spending time with friends and loved ones, but it doesn’t mean we have to forget what gives us fuel for living.
Many people forget that food is our fuel. We must drink to stay hydrated, eat to get stronger, do things that sustain our life and make us enjoy it more. Nowadays, food is so readily available and we eat because we’re not feeling well or because we’re stressed out. Sometimes we eat because there is something in front of us and not because we’re hungry. It’s to the point that we’re addicted to food. If that’s you, please be aware of your tendencies and work on changing course. It’s never too late.
I see December as an opportunity to stay committed. Like all things in life, there is always a silver lining. I’m the eternal optimist and here to tell you that even in the midst of the debauchery of the holidays, you can survive and even thrive. You can take the road less traveled and keep your blood sugar on track and avoid hangovers. You can stay healthy so you’re not binging on the bad things in December, then bounce back the completely opposite direction for January then fall off the wagon midway through the month.
This morning I was on my trail run, it was before sunrise when I laced up my shoes and headed to the trail. I love those early morning runs because I start before the animals wake up, before the sunrise. I get to feel that cool fresh mountain air, that intangible peace and stillness of nature that I love so much. I was thinking, gosh, you know, these runs feed my soul! Even though I’m suffering as I run up the hill. It’s not an easy trail run, ask anyone who’s done it with me. Sometimes I feel like I’m going to cough up a lung, but I know that’s good for me. I know my heart is getting stronger, my cardiovascular system is working, my quads and glutes are firing. All these amazing benefits are happening and I get to watch the sun come up and feel that beautiful sense of connection to the universe.
It’s time to level up the game. Here are 3 things you can do to stay on track.
1. Stay consistent. Every time you eat, commit to doing something good for your soul. Match your intake with some pampering, even if you’re super healthy, this is a great habit to get into. You might like to hike, go to a movie (skip the popcorn). Or sit around the fire and do nothing at all. Whatever it is for you that feeds your soul, make sure you commit to your happiness, but remember this isn’t an excuse to do bad things. It’s an opportunity to create better habits.
2. Stay active. It’s just what we have to do. Again, it’s easy to wait for January 1st, but don’t do it. Be one of the few who stay committed to exercise, eating right, meditating, etc. When stress levels get too high, we often reach for a drink, a smoke, or a dessert. It doesn’t have to be that way if you don’t want it to be, it’s totally up to you.
3. Don’t stress. Many people get stressed out during the holidays which sort of defeats the spirit behind the times. It’s supposed to be about joy, love, and peace. Yet, we fill our lives and our body with junk. If you stay on track and keep your life in balance you won’t have to fall into all those holiday traps.
See, it’s simple. The problem is, that it’s not always easy. That’s why I break it down for you. Slow down during the holidays instead of speeding up. Make sure you find time to meditate and avoid the hustle and bustle. I’m telling you life is too short. There’s nothing worse than living your life with regret. Make sure that every December is productive and fulfilling. Remember, I’m always here to help you along the way. @teddymcdonald
Originally published on the author’s website.