The manic month of December arrives, with an endless to-do list, another party to attend, nativity costumes to find, work to wrap up, and not to mention the shopping!
Once again you find your needs dropping down the priorities.
You start telling yourself you’ll start again in January.
But what if it doesn’t have to be that way.
What if you don’t need to ‘start all over again’ in the New Year.
Instead of putting yourself on the back-burner you just need to do one thing.
CONSISTENCY
December likely isn’t the month you are setting yourself big goals, and it absolutely doesn’t need to be either.
You don’t need to get faster, stronger or lighter in December.
But you also don’t need to do the opposite either.
December is still a month of the year where your health and wellbeing matters.
You just need to be consistent with the fundamentals.
- Maintain your frequency of training
Keep to your routine. If you enjoy being active 3-4 times a week. Stick to this. Maybe your workouts will be shorter, 20 minutes instead of 30 minutes. You might run 4km instead of 8km. But try and keep to your training routine.
- Be active everyday
If you’re someone who does well with the accountability of a step count goal, then give yourself a target. This will give you added motivation to pop outside with the kids, to walk to nursery instead of using the car, or take to the streets instead of using the tube. Even if you can’t get outside, move around the house – a quick game of hide and seek with the kids will have your heart rate up (your turn to seek!)
(If you don’t have a smart watch, it might be something to pop on your christmas list as they are a super asset for accountability).
- Keep hydrated
Your thirst can diminish in the cold weather, but your need for water in the winter months isn’t lessened. Keeping your body hydrated will pay dividends for your overall health. If you notice your skin is flaky, you have a dry cough, or mild headaches, then this is all a sign to drink more.
TIP – once you have a drink, refill the cup, and then leave it out on the side. Next time you walk past the cup full of water, have a drink. Super easy but effective. Try it.
- Eat mindfully
There are many more food temptations at this time of year, and of course you’ll want to be out with friends and family enjoying these social occasions. After all there is no fun in depriving yourself.
But remember this… Don’t eat what you don’t want and don’t need.
To eat mindfully means you are aware. You are making a conscious decision for your food choices. You take a pause before reaching in. You are mindful of how you are feeling. You take only what you need. You eat slowly. You stop when you are satisfied. You know that you are in control.
You do not need to over-indulge in December and justify this because you are telling yourself you’ll start again in January. You can keep on track this month and enjoy yourself!
Once you’ve mastered your positive nutrition habits all you need to do is be consistent – this month and every month of the year.
- Don’t underestimate the value of sleep
Yep you’re a mum, I know, and sleep may be feeling a thing of the past! But at this time of year, not only are the kids keeping you up, but more events are going on that disrupt the normal routines. Try and plan for some quieter evenings, and keep to your bedtime routines too.
If you have strong habits and routines in place for your fitness, nutrition and wellbeing, then all you need to do is keep consistent with these.
You’ll then roll into January and the New Year as just another month of the year. You won’t need any ground-breaking change and all the “New Year, New Me” talk!
All the wonderful mums in The Active Mums Club are doing exactly this.
Staying on track is what we do best.
You too can be in the driving seat of your fitness and wellbeing from just £39 / month.
