The holidays are a time for celebration and, often, indulgence. Life’s about balance and you deserve it! If you’re trying to keep your commitment to endurance training, things can feel particularly tricky this time of year as you try to balance festivities with fitness while traveling. Careful planning and dedication are going to work in your favor along with these helpful tips to keep you on track.

Make Sure to Prioritize Your Wellbeing

Balancing endurance training with the fun (and chaos) of the holidays can be stressful. First things first, make sure you’re taking care of your own wellbeing by making some crucial things a priority:

Self-Care’s never been more important:

There’s no busier time than the holiday season, which is why it’s more important than ever to carve out some time for self-care. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, and drink water (we know it’s hard even during the slow season). Listen to your body and rest when you need it, even if it means cancelling plans on occasion. This will all help you maintain your energy levels and prevent holiday burnout.

Prioritize your mental health and manage stress:

There’s a lot going on this time of year and between extra social engagements, holiday shopping, and heightened expectations (including your own!), the holidays can feel stressful. Make sure you’re managing this extra stress effectively by finding outlets you enjoy to get a needed break. Exercise, mediation, a good book, or even working on a puzzle can get you the time you need to take your stress down a notch.

Find ways to relax:

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or warm baths can help you find balance and reduce stress. Practices such as 20 minute meditation music or 20 minutes of yoga a day can help you unwind and recharge, allowing you to approach your training with a clear and calm mind.

Keeping nighttime rituals like a glass of tart cherry juice to help improve sleep, reading a good book, or even the ritual of a skincare routine can help calm you down and help you navigate increased stress during the holidays.

By prioritizing your wellbeing and implementing these tips, you can navigate the holiday season while staying on track with your endurance training goals. Cheribundi offers a range of products to help support your fitness training and recovery needs.

Plan for Success

Failing to plan will only lead to more stress. By creating a workout schedule that fits into your holiday commitments, you can make sure to stay active and keep heading toward your fitness goals. Need some tips to stay motivated to exercise during the holidays? We’ve got a few time management techniques to help:

Creating a Schedule:

Pull out your calendar ahead of time and plan exercise around the days and times that you know you’ll be available to get some movement in and work toward your fitness goals. Take all your events, family gatherings, work, and other commitments into consideration and plan your workouts accordingly. This will help you prioritize workouts into your routine before life gets even busier.

Finding Time for Exercise:

A short workout is better than none. Look for time to squeeze in workouts at home, even if they’re shorter than usual. Wake up earlier, squeeze a run in during your lunch break, or try incorporating physical activity into your holiday traditions, such as going for a walk with your family after a big holiday meal.

Implement Time Management Techniques:

Time management is more important than ever during the busy holiday season. Break your workouts into smaller, manageable chunks if needed. Set specific goals and deadlines for each session to stay motivated, eliminating distractions and prioritizing your workouts to treat them as important appointments that you can’t miss.

Keep It realistic

Setting achievable fitness goals during the holiday season is crucial for staying fit during the holidays. Consider the time constraints and demands of the holiday season when setting your goals so that you don’t set yourself up for disappointment.

Adapt Your Training Plan:

Holiday plans are going to get in the way. The best way to keep your fitness goals is to know that ahead of time and be flexible with your training plan. This could mean reducing how often or how long you work out, allowing time for holiday parties and other items on your lengthy to do list. Finding a balance between your training and holiday commitments will help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Track Your Progress:

Make sure to keep a record of your workouts, distances, or other important metrics to monitor your progress over time. This helps you stay accountable and celebrate small victories along the way. Acknowledging and rewarding your achievements can be a great motivation to keep going, especially when there are so many other things to keep you distracted.

Stay Active Outside

It can be challenging to balance festivities with exercise during the holidays. However, staying active outside can be a great way to maintain your fitness routine while enjoying the holiday spirit.

Explore Outdoor Activities:

Consider going for a hike in a nearby nature park or exploring local trails. Not only will you enjoy the crisp weather, fall foliage, and holiday lights, but you'll also burn calories and engage your muscles in a different way. Plus, it's a great opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors:

Spending time outdoors offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. Fresh air and exposure to nature have been proven to reduce stress levels, improve your mood, and increase overall happiness. All helpful during an otherwise stressful but joyful time. While enjoying your outdoor workouts, you'll also be reaping the rewards of improved mental health.

Incorporate Outdoor Workouts:

Incorporating outdoor workouts into your routine can be as simple as taking your regular exercise regimen outside. Instead of hitting the gym, go for a run or bike ride in your local park. If you prefer a more structured approach, consider joining an outdoor fitness class or boot camp. If the weather’s nice, you could even unroll your yoga mat outside for a quick stretch session between events.