As life gets busier, weather gets colder (well, it's trying to - but it's supposed to be back in the 80s again here in sunny California!), and the holidays loom, your attention to and time for prioritizing your health and happiness often starts to decline.
'Tis the season!
It's so easy to put your head down and push forward and "get through it.' Much like a mini version of early motherhood!
But how about this year you do something different?
What if I told you this is the perfect season to START prioritizing your health and happiness?!
I know time and energy is scarce, but hear me out.
Fall is my favorite time of year. And it's not just because I'm a fan of the chunky sweaters and boots (I am), but because it's the perfect time to set some goals with a clear deadline (hello, New Year!).
So, instead of ending the year focusing on the possibilities 2020 will bring, let's take all that energy we put into starting the year strong into finishing this one even stronger!
Here are my 5 best tips for not just surviving, but THRIVING Q4:
1. Don't tell yourself no.
October is for candy, November is for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and December is for holiday cookies. It's out there and ignoring it just leads to binges and/or feeling deprived. Once the candy is in the house, it's hard to avoid. So own that. Tell yourself you can have 1 (or even 3!) SMALL pieces of candy at a certain time of the day when you know you can truly enjoy it.
Create a rule that candy or cookies may be taken in in certain quantities that you choose, and must be attached to one healthy choice like getting in a workout that day, meditating, or drinking a large glass of water.
No mindless eating. Take this season to cultivate your mindful approach to nutrition that you can take into the New Year with you. If this is tough for you, I JUST gave a workshop on it! Check it out in the Savage Moms Facebook group here!
2. Set small goals.
Busting out with a big goal or change in The New Year is tradition. But it's also tradition to give that up within 17 days. The old "go big or go home" motto doesn't work here. It's been proven.
So take this season to set some small goals. But if a small goal is good, a bigger goal is better, right? NOPE!
We set small goals so we can build what? Momentum! That's right, there's that word again!
Momentum, not gusto, is what will truly help you succeed by keeping you consistent.
We're striving for progress, not perfection!
Not working out at all and want to start? Aim for one workout a week. Will that get you the big results you're looking for? Probably not! But it will build momentum and you'll add more and staying consistent will absolutely get you the results you're looking for.
3. Me time is key time.
This is a very social time of year, but it can also be a very lonely time of year, too. Events abound, but time to relax and reflect is scarce. So make sure you're finding time to focus on YOU.
Make a plan to take 10 minutes in the morning (or whatever time you can make consistent!) to meditate or journal. Find a close friend and set aside time to let each other talk about how you're feeling.
There is a lot of stress with family visits, office parties, and gift buyiing galore. Making sure you are seeing your feelings and not pushing them aside is crucial to feeling the gratitude and mindfulness that a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle needs.
Often I like to multitask and stretch while I reflect on my feelings and do my affirmations. BOOM! #momminghard
4. Plan for parties!
So many parties and so much food! And booze! Okay, so if you like a party (I do), and you're into food (I am), and you may have a drink or 3 (I will), a weight loss goal may be hard this season. But it's not impossible!
It's definitely possible AND a great goal to not gain weight, and even lose fat and gain lean muscle, through the holiday season. With the focus on building momentum rather than hitting a goal weight, it's a lot easier to stick to your healthy choices (and see results!)
Parties can be a big hiccup, but plan accordingly! Don't skip meals all day to account for the extra calories. Do eat healthily and lightly during the day if you plan on indulging that night. And/or plan to get in a workout that day!
Just before the party starts, grab a 100-300 calorie high protein and low sugar snack. A hard-boiled egg or two is a great option. It will get rid of the need to start stuffing your face with the random dips, cookies, or cheese plates.
And the cocktails. So many cocktails— even if you’re not into the boozy kind! So give yourself a plan and a number you’re comfortable with before you hit the event. Have one signature cocktail with whatever sugar, spice and cream they’ve got (if it’s calling to you), then switch to wine or something without a sugary mixer. Have a LARGE glass of bubbly water between drinks to hydrate and also decrease the chance that you’ll just be mindlessly sipping your way through awkward conversations.
5. Join the Final 90 Challenge!
I had to add this one in, because having a plan and support is the best way to go! Full disclosure: I may be a few days behind getting the worksheet and details up for you (‘tis the season for pop up emergencies to trip-up our schedules, ammiright?!), but I’m kicking off the Final 90 Challenge in my membership community this week!
Why join this (or any) holiday challenge?
The last quarter of the year tends to be the most stressful of the entire year and if you don't have a plan, you're negative patterns will run wild. We eat more, drink more and move less. If you don't have a plan, you'll end the year with a(n even steeper) hill to climb just to hit a healthy baseline.
So, if you’re looking for:
Ways to get active amidst the chaos
Posiivity, support and guidance
Tools and resources to take care of your mental and physical health designed specifically for busy moms like you
Accountability to create a plan and stick to it
Live coaching calls and access to support you need to answer your questions
Weekly goals that motivate you and keep your inspired
Weekly emails with recipes, challenges, and inspiration to keep you prioritizing you this holiday season
Join the Savage Wellness Virtual Gym and get in on our Final 90 Challenge! This will be replacing my annual Holiday Challenge. It’s bigger, it’s better and it’s totally free for members (just $60 to join for three months)
BUT, enter the code GET SAVAGE and get your first month for free! So that’s just $40 for all the healthy awesomeness coming at you this holiday season. (And did I mention there is a raffle for a HUGE prize basket of Wellness goodies?! NO? Well, there is!)
Happy Q4, mamas! Let’s show 2019 who’s boss!