Happy Healthy Holidays: Staying on Track with Your Health Goals this Holiday Season
Written by: Brittany Halpin, CFW Health & Fitness Professional
As the winter months make their entrance and we turn the page on the year 2020, the time has come to prepare ourselves for a never-before-seen holiday season. While the holidays have a history of giving rise to various emotions, including both joy and stress, this year will undoubtfully bear some additional changes given the social distancing guidelines still in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By addressing the CFW Solution, the following four elements can be used to ensure that the upcoming season aligns with your physical and mental health goals.
MOVEMENT
Get active. Set aside some time to participate in a CFW Fit Streaming Session. From HIIT to Pilates to Spin, there are endless options you can choose from to get the maximum benefit of your workout in the comfort of your own home. Part of our exclusive CFW Virtual service package, these online workouts are available as live sessions or as on-demand videos, and range anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes. You will feel accomplished and refreshed, with enough time to spare before your holiday festivities begin.
Get outside. Bundle up in your favorite winter workout gear and enjoy some fresh air. Hit the trails or slopes, build a snowman or go for a jog – remaining cautious of icy conditions, of course.
Get creative. There are plenty of exercises you can do with minimal to no equipment, right from your living room. You can use anything as your makeshift weights, including cans, water bottles or milk jugs. If you’re traveling, pack a resistance band for a lightweight, simple way to bring your gym equipment anywhere. If all else fails, keep in mind that there are plenty of benefits of bodyweight workouts such as building balance, flexibility and strength without any equipment.
RECHARGE
Set aside “you” time. Whether that means taking a bubble bath or winding down to your favorite holiday movie, make some time to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Your mind (and body) will thank you for it!
Reach out. If you feel like your plate is overloaded and your to-do list is a mile long, don’t be afraid to ask for some friendly support or say no to further obligations. Keep in mind that you can’t fill someone else’s cup if yours is empty.
NUTRITION
Plan ahead. Planning your meals for the week not only helps you eat healthier, but it teaches portion control – something many of us tend to skip out on during the holiday season. Cook a few meals ahead for the week, leaving room for a spontaneous dinner soiree. We have an entire library of healthy cooking recipes and videos on our CFW Fit Streaming platform that can help, like this one for Healthy Black Bean Burgers. Your healthy meals will serve as a reminder not to stuff yourself to the brim at social events.
Keep a journal. Use a journal or food log to stay on track with your health goals. Write down what you ate throughout the day, as well as how it made you feel. Some good questions to ask yourself might be, “Did I eat enough?” or “Am I overstuffed?”
Remember, everything in moderation. You deserve to treat yourself to a gingerbread cookie every once in a while, but have some techniques ready to pull out of your back pocket to know when you’ve had enough. If you’re a visual person, write down your goals and post them somewhere you’ll see as a daily reminder, so you don’t go overboard on the holiday treats.
CONNECTION
Plan a virtual party. 2020 has brought a world of virtual events and video conferencing. This doesn’t mean you have to cancel your holiday traditions with family and friends. Instead, host them online! There are plenty of ways to feel connected to your loved ones, even if your hugs are virtual. (Plus, there are no travel expenses.)
Get involved. Consider volunteering in your community to help those who are less fortunate during the holiday season. Opportunities may involve food drives or winter clothing donations. There are also ways to help from home during the COVID-19 pandemic by becoming a virtual volunteer.
Corporate Fitness Works is dedicating efforts to ensure that all members have a happy, healthy holiday season. Click the links below to view more creative ways to stay healthy at home from our Team Leaders.
Healthful Holiday Links:
Socially Distanced Holiday Celebration Ideas
Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress
