How To Stay On Track With Your Wellness Goals Over The Holidays
It’s official - the silly season is well and truly upon us and with an extra chaotic schedule, we are more susceptible to peel away from our well ingrained habits or even step into the mentality of “oh well, I can just start next year.”
But we owe it to ourselves to show up as the best versions we can possibly be, all year round, because we owe it to our future selves and keeping up with “the work” now, means we don’t have to “start” again when January 1 rolls around.
Sure, our routines and rituals might not be as “extensive” as they usually are, but by simplifying things or modifying them slightly, we are using these habits as anchors, to keep our minds peaceful, our systems regulated, our bodies rested and our family and home life running smoothly.
Here are my favourite ways to “stay on track” with your wellbeing goals over the summer holiday break!
LET THE PRESSURE GO AND PRACTICE ACCEPTANCE
Firstly, let’s not add anymore stress or pressure to our already busy social schedule! By letting the pressure go, observing and accepting that we are going to be a little bit busier than normal, we are already putting ourselves in the driver’s seat and getting rid of any ounce of shame or guilt around not hitting our usual wellbeing goals.
Much like the seasons change, we go through different seasons in our lives and this is quite literally our summer (especially if you live in Australia). It’s a time to celebrate, be spriteful, zesty and full of energy. Our winter will roll around again soon enough where we can hibernate, focus on rest and withdraw. It’s time to enjoy the sunshine and celebrate ourselves for the incredible year just been. Give yourself space to do this.
SIMPLIFY, OUTSOURCE AND DELEGATE
With less time on our hands, it’s time to simplify some of our routines, outsource or even delegate what we can. Where can you create more space in your life? What is one thing you can take off your plate that will save you time? Here are some of my favourite wellness things I like to simplify:
- Subscribe to an online fitness service, to save you “travel time” to and from the gym. Nothing like rolling out of bed and straight onto the mat. No excuses! My favourite is Hustl Online. Pilates, yoga and strength based online workouts that are guaranteed to burn.
- Subscribe to an online food delivery service. Perhaps you will be spending more time eating out or attending social events, not having to think about what to cook when you are at home is a lifesaver!
- Do a supplement inventory check. There’s nothing like realising you’ve run out of your favourite Naked Harvest's Creatine or Moon Mylk Bedtime Hot Chocolate when your tub is empty. Take inventory on the supplements you need for the holiday break and order them now. Even better yet, sign up to a subscribe and save option, which will help save you money in the long run.
- Book all your remaining wellness and beauty appointments. Think facials, acupuncture, hairdresser, nails, the work! Again, one less thing to think about.
SIMPLIFY YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
If there is only ONE thing you do over the silly season, I ask you to simplify your morning routine. Sure, it will be a busy time of going out, getting to bed late and just being out of routine in general, however, I encourage you to ask yourself, “How GOOD do you want to feel?”
Even 10 minutes of your morning routine is better than nothing.
Nut out your favourite parts of your morning routine and stick to those. I can guarantee, you will feel more anchored, grounded and less scattered throughout the already busy day.
NEVER MISS ANYTHING "TWICE"
This is a phrase I always say to myself whenever something gets in the way of me hitting my daily goals or skipping my daily workout. “NEVER MISS TWICE.” And trust me, it works to help snap you out of the day to day and back into the moment.
Festivities, fun, celebrations.. that’s what this time of year is all about! So sure, if you miss that morning run because you chose to prioritise sleep after a bit of a night out, that’s no problem. It’s not the first time you miss something that it becomes a problem. It’s the repetition of the missing that we slowly start to build a habit of NOT showing up. By jumping back on the wagon after one day, you maintain momentum, build confidence, resilience and improve your own self trust. By backing yourself and showing up for yourself, you know you are disciplined enough to keep going and show up for your future self.
PRIORITISE YOUR CHOICES AND WHAT MATTERS THE MOST TO YOU
A lot of the time when the parties roll in, I would have a mentality of, go all in or nothing. Never balanced. Always extremities. But I want you to know, everything you do or don’t do over the holiday season, is entirely up to you. These are your choices and it is important for you to truly understand what it is that you value the most.
For example for me, I prioritise feeling as good as I possibly can everyday, however, I will not do this at the expense of missing out on making memories with my family, my friends or enjoying the once a year yummy food we all bond over and enjoy. I know there is always a choice to modify, to do something different because it matters to me and still be part of the fun.
It’s time to get really crystal clear on your priorities, what are your values, what matters to you the most, and stick to that.
Here are some of my favourite prompts I like to think about during this time of year:
- Set realistic goals for myself vs an all or nothing mentality
- Take time to meal plan healthy choices between the parties vs giving up completely and conceding to all the latest seasonal junk food trends
- I can choose to eat a healthy meal prior to a party or bring a healthy plate vs using the party food as an excuse
- Make space to move my body with intention vs allowing the silly season dictate my day to day
- Stay hydrated always with a water bottle on the go vs leaving that up to chance
- I can choose to be mindful with the foods I bring into my home vs what I say yes to and let the temptations in
- Prioritise sleep and leave a party early vs be up all night long just because everyone else is doing it
I hope you enjoy the holiday season and you are gentle with yourself, show yourself some love, and make some beautiful memories with your loved ones.
If you're inspired to stay on track this season, don’t forget to treat yourself to some Naked Harvest wellness essentials. Use my code WENDYSERRANO at checkout to enjoy 15% off your order.
With love,
Wendy
By Wendy Serrano
After 10 years working in the fast-paced, glamorous, 24/7 PR and social media world, (hello burnout) Wendy Serrano is now a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, advocating for slow-paced living, mindfulness and holistic health. Wendy works with her clients, empowering them to find the foods and lifestyle practices that work best for them, with a strong holistic approach. Her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (based in NYC) has helped her lead with a bio-individual and multi-dimensional coaching style, helping her clients set and stick to new goals, make change, and provide unbiased support no matter where they are on their wellness journey.