Body Survival During the Holidays

By Nicole Irlbeck, Restoration Fitness

Body survival. Isn’t that just the thing? We seek to survive instead of THRIVE through the busiest time of the year. I don’t know about you, but my ideal holiday season would be full of time with friends, spending some quality time making cookies and crafts, and in general, reflecting on my own “reason for the season”.

We get so caught up in all our to-do lists and expectations for DOING and BEING it ALL, that we forget about peace, joy, love, and gratitude…all the emotions that represent the holidays we are supposed to be celebrating. Everywhere I turn, women and moms are already speaking of the next month with ensuing dread, knowing what will need to be done between scheduling, shopping, wrapping, cleaning, and cooking. No wonder we are so exhausted just thinking about it!!!

Well, let’s change it. Yep. You heard it. Change.

Start new traditions of activity and movement and let go of those things that drain you. Here are some ideas:

1. Make a list of all the things you don’t like about what you do for the holidays and enlist help or delegate wherever possible: Use gift bags rather than wrapping, get a house cleaner as a gift to yourself, get together with friends to bake, or just LET IT GO.
2. We all have only 16-18hours in our day to get things done. Set realistic goals and prioritize. Do only what you can, and leave the rest. Focus on those things that mean the most to your family. In our house, a single red present on Christmas morning means the world to me. What traditions mean the most to your family? Focus on those things and let the rest, rest.2082
3. Schedule your workouts on your calendar or make a pact with a friend to meet up and get moving. Not only does it get you out of the house for some peace and quiet, it will calm you nerves and give you a chance to vent!
4. Say no to seconds and stop snacking. Sounds obvious, but if we would just STOP at the first sight of our hand reaching for the second helping or turn our back to the snack bowl, we might even LOSE weight! Savor your food. Chew it well and enjoy every bite.
5. Keep healthy food options at hand and set a reward for the end of the season that you can work toward to keep yourself on track. There are New Years 5k walks and races in almost every town. See yourself to the finish line and reward yourself with a manicure, facial, or massage.
6. Take yourself lightly. Again, the holidays are a time to celebrate life, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and relax.

The dishes can wait!

Nicole Irlbeck began Restoration Fitness out of her love of exercise and her desire to see women making the choice to love their bodies. She incorporates her Masters degree in exercise science, passion for authentic beauty, and athletic performance & rehabilitation experience with women of all ages and levels to deliver a fun and effective wellness programs. Nicole can be reached through her website at www.restorationfitness.net or by phone at 303.482.6290.