How to get back on track after holidays

Christmas is on the horizon, and our stomachs are in a perpetual state of full. There’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence this time of year—who can resist a cup of peppermint hot chocolate? However, it can be extremely hard to get going for your daily jog or yoga class with a belly full of holiday spirit, Fox News reports.

Try to resist the urge to get lazy! Here are 9 tips to get your fitness back on track during the holiday season.

1. Start ASAP. The longer you are sedentary, the harder it is to get your body moving again. Don’t wait until January 1st to start working out again. Do something to get your body and mind back in the game as soon as possible.

2. Think of it as stress relief. The holiday season can be extremely stressful. There are a million errands to run, a million presents to buy on a tight budget, and a million people to see. “I don’t have enough time” seems like a good enough excuse to skip the gym, right? Wrong. Think of exercising as your stress reliever, because after all, it’s a great one.

3. Social hour. Now is the time of year when we often get together with our long lost relatives and friends. Your old college roommate wants to catch up. Your cousin is in town for 2 weeks and is dying to see you. Combine this social time with something active. Chat as you walk laps around the high school track then jog on over to the local coffee shop. Invite them to your Pilates class and then grab lunch. Not only will it make exercising more fun, your friend will be impressed by your dedication.

4. Just go. The longer you are away from your fitness routine, the more you build it up in our mind. Take that first step. Show up at the gym.

5. Try something new. Sometimes it’s hard to get back at something because you’re bored with it. Move on! Find something new. Try a CrossFit session or a Krav Maga class. There are a million classes and workout programs out there. Find one that resonates with you.

6. Change your frame of mind. I’m so out of shape. I’m so fat. I’ll never be able to get back to where I was. The problem is that this type of thinking is not a good motivator. Who wants to work out when they’re feeling bad about themselves? Now is the time to change your tune. Consider the positive aspects of taking a break. Maybe it has given your body time to heal from an injury. Maybe that hour a day has given you more time to spend with your spouse or kids. Whatever it is, acknowledge the positives. You are not a horrible person for slipping up on your fitness habits. We’ve all done it. Now’s the time to get back at it.

7. Easy does it. Your first workout after a slump will probably feel more difficult than you remember. Don’t let this deter you or get you disgruntled. Tomorrow go further and push harder. 

8. Commit to a plan. It’s hard to get back at it without a plan. Come up with a short term plan that is achievable and specific. For example, I’m going to work out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week before work. On Monday and Friday I will do my CrossFit plan followed by 2 miles of running, and on Wednesday I will take a cycling class. All you have to do is follow your plan.

9. Reward yourself. Pick a reward to give to yourself after a certain fitness milestone. Been back at it for 2 weeks? Get a pedicure. Been going strong for a month? Buy those cute yoga pants you’ve been eyeing. 

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter