Navigating the Holiday Season: Stay Healthy and Thrive
As the holiday season approaches, the temptation to indulge in festive treats and abandon your health goals can be overwhelming. With Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, it's no surprise that many people end up gaining weight during this time. In fact, studies show that on average, people gain around one to two pounds during the holiday season. But fear not! You can stay healthy and vibrant while still enjoying the holiday spirit.
Wellness Strategies:
Plan Ahead: Just like in business, planning is key. Before heading to those holiday parties, eat a small, balanced meal to curb your appetite. This can help you avoid overindulging in high-calorie snacks.
Stay Active: Don't let your busy schedule be an excuse to skip workouts. Physical activity helps you manage stress and burn those extra calories. Even a quick 20-minute workout can make a big difference.
Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite. Engage in conversations and enjoy the company of friends and family. This can prevent mindless overeating.
But what happens when you realize that, despite your best intentions, the holidays seem to be taking their toll on your health and wellness? Kindness and understanding are key.
Forgive Yourself: Guilt can lead to further unhealthy choices. If you slip up and indulge more than planned, remember it's okay. Forgive yourself and get back on track.
Set Realistic Goals: In business, you set achievable goals. Apply the same principle to your health. Go into the holiday season with a plan. For example, maintain your weight, exercise a little extra (to counteract the extra party calories) or alternate cocktails/mocktails to limit alcohol at events. Set realistic, attainable objectives and track your progress.
Remember, maintaining your health is crucial for sustaining your entrepreneurial journey. Jeff Bezos emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, stating, "I believe you have to prioritize your wellness. If you don't, it'll catch up to you."
Wellness Supports:
Fitness apps and wearable technology like FitBit and Apple Watch are great ways to keep up with your fitness goals. The Noom app combines tracking with personalized coaching and psychology-based strategies to help you develop healthier habits. While LoseIt! helps you track your food intake and exercise and set weight loss goals. It also offers a barcode scanner for easy food logging.
For individualized support, consider working with a health coach who can provide guidance, support and accountability during this busy season. Just as in business, having a coach can be a game-changer in achieving your health and wellness goals.
Whatever approach you take to track your health goals, embrace the holiday season with strength and grace! When you make health a priority, you will continue to thrive in both your personal and professional life.
Renee Manning is a health and well-being coach trained at Duke Health. As an incentive to keep up your health goals during the holidays, she is offering EO members (including immediate family) and strategic partners 50% off a four-month coaching package when booked in October or November. Schedule a complimentary introductory call to learn more and decide if health coaching is right for you.