Chatting with some friends I became aware of how hard it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle at this time of the year. Christmas can be a great season for partying and self indulgence but this all comes at a cost. Late nights, meals out, changes in routine, high calorie party foods, snacking on mince pies, too busy to exercise alongside colder weather and dark evenings can all lead to a real challenge to keep to a regular pattern of physical activity.
My challenge to you this year is to prepare for this difficult time. Whilst it is tempting to say ‘why bother exercising’ and ‘I’ll just wind down and restart in the New Year’ – actually this is an important time to keep to your exercise routine. You’ll feel better for it, you’ll be able to eat those extra calories and not feel guilty. You’re less likely to pick up coughs and colds. You’ll sleep better despite the late nights. You’ll have more energy to dance the night away. And when it comes to the New Year you’ll have a fitness to build on.
How can we keep to that routine with all those temptations at Christmas? A suggestion I have is to find a ‘buddy’ preferably an ‘exercise buddy’ – someone who can support you and vice versa. If you can’t be bothered to go to your regular exercise class your ‘buddy’ will encourage you to go along. Arrange to meet up and exercise together.