Weight gain is completely normal during the holiday season, but don’t dial down the fitness if you want to maintain your health and well-being. Here are some tips on how to do just that
It’s the holiday season, which means parties, potlucks, and indulgent dinners. In light of all that, a little weight gain is completely normal, especially if you’re the type of person to pause your workout routine in favor of relaxing at home. Even still, daily movements and wellness practices are important to maintain your health and well-being, and a routine is only successful if you’re consistent with it. To help you out in this regard, we recommend you continue finding ways to stay on track. Listed here are some of those ways, according to yoga trainer Rain Bautista.
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Dedicate time to fitness and wellness
It’s not enough to find a gap in your schedule to squeeze in some exercise or wellness practices. According to Rain, “Instead of looking at your schedule and seeing if you have time to insert a workout or practice, [set] a specific time of the day to workout or practice, and shift everything else around it.” This way, you can maintain your discipline and be assured that you stay on track every day.
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Flip your perspective
To make a routine sustainable, you have to find enjoyment in it. To that end, Rain advised, “Instead of seeing your workout or practice as a chore and attaching it to a heavy feeling, flip your perspective to see [it] as a reward or giving back to your body for supporting you in all the things you have been doing.”
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A little goes a long way
It’s also important to remember that you decide what you do and how long you do it for. So long as you keep up the routine of doing something for your health and wellness every day, that’s enough. Especially during your holiday season, remember to give yourself grace in maybe not hitting the gym as much anymore. As Rain put it, “Five minutes of meditation or breathwork is enough. 10 minutes of gentle stretches is enough. 15 minutes of power yoga is enough. 20 minutes of upper body workout is enough. You decide what is enough.”
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Check in with yourself
Lastly, remember to check in with yourself throughout this process. Ask yourself if what you’re doing brings you joy or simply adds to your stress. Rain said it best: “The only goal in your practice or workout is for you to feel good. If it doesn’t feel good, it’s not what you need.” And if that particular activity is not what you need, switch it up with a new workout or wellness practice. This is where journaling comes in handy.
Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES