Stress less train more.

We all ask ourselves the same question around this time of year and come up with the same answer, where did the year go? I have no idea. I know we are still very much in November so lets not get too ahead of ourselves but December is now only a month away so time to get organised.

The festive season is unlike any other year, there is a special hum in the air; everyone is busier than usual working not to mention counting down to the pending holidays. We are starting to think about Christmas presents which can make entering the vicinity of a shopping centre an absolute nightmare. Wherever you look, something is happening that puts you well and truly in the festive mood – good or bad.

I have a love hate relationship when it come Christmas but there is no hiding from it so I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help make this festive season a more pleasant one than the year before.

Top 10 festive tips

• Be organized and don’t panic. The world is not going to stop if you forget the cashews; we need to focus on what is most important around this time of year – family, friends and a bit of time out.
• Make a list. When you think of something you need to do or buy, write it down. Consolidating everything in a list will make all the tasks much more manageable.
• Shop early. If you know what you need, buy it. There are no golden rules that say you cannot start your Christmas shopping in July (although a bit late now she cried)!
• Shop online (but shop early). Want to avoid carpark rage, shopping trolleys in the ankles and screaming kids, well shop from the comfort of your living room. The web offers us a world of ideas and gift solutions not to mention festive workout staples, which can be delivered direct to you door.
• Share the tasks. Discuss with the family doing a Secret Santa or KK as we call it in our household. Instead of buying 10 gifts, you only have to buy one. Get everyone to help out with the cooking, have a different part of the family cook for each meal: starters, main, dessert.
• Shop local. Don’t get caught up in the supermarket craziness and marketing, shop at your local farmers market for your Christmas day fan fare. Look out for nighttime markets too!
• Shop with a conscious. Be mindful not to buy gifts just for the sake of it and look out for local or fair trade products – lets see our money go to good this year.
• Don’t over indulge! You have worked hard all year so don’t blow it all in a few weeks just because it’s the festive season. All in moderation remember.
• Use your diary to note all engagements and drink but don’ forget to give yourself time to recharge your batteries; don’t run yourself to the ground.
• Last but not least – ENJOY! This time of year is not meant to be stressful nor is it meant to burn a hole in your wallet. Keep buying in perspective and remember, although a lot of shops are closed during the festive season, there is plenty of them open so you are never going to run out of anything.

 

Follow these simple tips and I can assure you your workouts wont be missed because you are ‘too busy’. Plan your workouts and training days around social engagements. If you know you are going out in the evening train early for an hour earlier out of bed will give you more energy not take it away. The festive season is about balance but its also about having more time to do what you love the most – train and recover.

Throughout the month of December I will continue to provide you with festive season survival tips and of course food ideas to see you satisfied, nourished and avoiding those unwanted kilos.

Merry Christmas (or is that too soon?)