Motivation After The Holidays

I love Christmas. I love being able to spend time with my family, eat wonderful food, and just be able to take a break. But, after the holidays pass, it's time to get back into a regular routine and start getting your health back on track again. However, this can be very difficult. It's so easy to find the motivation to get moving and eating healthy again after a nice long break. Hopefully these few tips will help!

1.  Start slow. If you try to go back to your old routine full speed after a break, it is so overwhelming and will actually make your motivation run out quicker. Start slow and do little things everyday. For example, instead of trying to pick the closest parking spot to the store, try picking the farthest parking spot so you have to walk more.

2. Embrace the season. Even after Christmas, it is still the winter season and you will probably still have time off. Take time to do fun activities with your family and friends like playing in the snow, taking a walk, or ice skating. You'll have so much fun it won't even feel like you're exercising!

3. When going out to dinners, parties, and other last minute events, try not to overindulge and make sure to choose healthier options. If you go out to eat to enjoy the last few days off with your family, skip the cheeseburger and fries and try a salad. Instead of getting your chicken fried, go for grilled. Also, if you know you are going to be out and about most of the day, pack your own health snack options. This prevents snacking on unhealthy food from the drive-thru.

4. Drink a lot of water. If you overindulged even a little this holiday season, drink extra water! This is the best way to flush out the extra toxins and bloat. The extra water will really help your body detoxify. You should typically try to drink 8 cups of water everyday. For the next few days, try to increase to 10 or more cups.

5. Make time for yourself. Even though it can be difficult, find time to set aside for yourself everyday to exercise, relax, and just recharge. Even if it's just 30 minutes a day, respect yourself and your body enough to do this one simple thing. I guarantee you feel start to feel much better about your body, spirit, and mind.

6. Give yourself a break. Try to be understanding and not too hard on yourself. Try your hardest, but don't beat yourself up if you don't get everything done. Know that tomorrow is another day and you can always try again. 

I hope these post-holiday tips help get you back to a motivated, healthy lifestyle. Don't forget to enjoy this time of year though! I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and have a blessed new year!

-Kelsey Lynn <3