I am at least a 4th generation Californian, which can mean one of two things: either I am certifiably kooky, or that I know absolutely nothing about winter weather. I know the second one is true. As for the first, let’s hope the verdict is still out.
I once took a trip to Iowa in the middle of one of the coldest winters they had experienced in a while, and you would have thought I was a 300 pound lineman had you only seen me outside. Simply getting out of the car would force me to don at least one extra jacket, and if I knew there would be prolonged snow exposure (read: anything over 5 minutes), I had to make sure I had on not 1 but 2 pairs of long underwear. Upon entering a new establishment, as I struggled to peel off layer upon layer, my comrades would say “She’s from California” and the chuckles and nods of understanding would immediately follow. Snow is beautiful to look at, but I will holiday somewhere tropical, thank you very much.
Whatever your preferred climate, however, as the temperatures drop, we often feel the need to hibernate a bit more, snuggle in front of the fire, and stay indoors. The urge to jump out of bed and get your day going with a jog is less likely than it was even several weeks ago. Add to the mix the myriad holiday invitations that begin marching to your mailbox like toy soldiers in droves (and what ensues at such parties), the rush of shoppers descending upon stores as if Armageddon is lurking very nearby, and the “pinch your cheeks” aunt who will no doubt tirelessly ask you any number of embarrassing or unanswerable questions; and you have a recipe for an unhealthy disaster.
It’s no secret that many of us will gain a spare tire in the coming months, but mom’s homemade pie and the office cookie platter are only partially to blame. Even sans spare tire, we can still feel the overwhelm and stress that accompany this supposedly “cheery” time of year. That is why it is vitally important that we all set ourselves up for success.
The only way I know how to successfully manage the bustling holiday season is to make sure I have a system for accountability. When left to my own commitments, I fall short; however, when I know I have someone who expects me to keep those commitments, I will make sure to follow through. Though accountability plays a key role in successful outcomes in general, when it comes to the realization of your health and fitness goals during the holiday months, it is crucial.
What typically happens is that come Halloween, we begin to hop the proverbial track a bit more than usual. We miss a few days of exercise, we eat an extra piece of cake, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Sometimes, we feel a bit guilty and stay on track for a few weeks, and then comes Thanksgiving. You know the story. It’s all downhill ’til the ball drops and we wake up in a champagne-induced stupor vowing to hit the gym (or join one) once and for all.
With all this falling off the treadmill, it is no wonder the gyms love us come January. In order to save you the aggravation of stressing out, getting depressed, and having to start from scratch, I have decided to offer a simple accountability teleseminar this holiday season. I invite you to join me in staying Healthy for the Holidays!
With Love & Gratitude~
Erin
