Christmas Vacation, A Time To Double Down

A Break From Work Doesn't Have to Mean a Break From Your Goals as Well!

The holidays are a wonderful time for most people. Several holidays fall around this time of many different backgrounds and traditions. But being away from the daily grind can mean a lax in judgement and discipline as well.

"I've done really well the past X amount of time. I can cheat while I'm home." A common declaration and rationale for eating whatever falls in front of us during this time.

"New Year's is next week. I'll start back strong then." Just another reason to slack off and further enjoy all the goodies and leisure time while home with family or having time off from work.

Some folks can pick and choose when to be "on" and when it's OK to take some time off from their routine. For most of us, sticking to our daily habits to encourage progression toward our health goals, is something we should strive to maintain week after week, day after day.

Stay The Course and Be Intentional About Your Actions.

Be prepared to continue a physical activity routine while away from home and your usual schedule. Bringing your own dishes to a family meal if what they are serving doesn't align with your current diet is OK. Taking criticism from family and friends can sometimes be enough for someone to fold and give in to whatever everyone else is doing. But if it goes against the goals you've set for yourself, double down and maintain your integrity and remember why you've done what you've done up to this point. It's much easier to lose progress than to gain progress. So for every bit of progress you lose from taking too much time away from your healthier habits, you have to work even harder to get it back.

It can certainly be difficult to say no or stick to your regimen during times around family or those that don't share the same goals as you. Having those SMART goals in place and small habits you commit each day are a way to keep yourself in line without straying too far and losing any progress. Stay in line with your activity by planning out what you are going to do while away and out of your normal routine. Structure and discipline matter during these times. And while it's OK to cut yourself some slack if you can handle it, don't let yourself fall into old habits and inactivity.