It’s that time of year again. Festiveness abounds and so do the opportunities to over-indulge, slack off on my workouts and stress about the perfect gifts.

This year I’m challenging myself to do things differently.  Over the next 6 birthday, holiday and fun filled weeks I will be mindful about:

• How and what I eat
• Getting my regular workouts in
• Being organized and prepared 
• Enjoying the season

Planning

Fresh home from an organized and prepared trip to Portland to see Miss Herbivore over Thanksgiving I am inspired to keep the organization vibes going.

I am creating a plan for meals along with a grocery list based on my schedule for the week. Since I am a visual person, I like to see the days I need to cook and the days we have plans out. I am already making my plan for what to make when Miss Herbivore is home and picking up the ingredients that I can ahead of time. No last minute grocery store runs for food and items we don’t need! I will maintain my healthy mind-set and stay on track so that happy hours, my birthday dinner out, and other festive invites don’t wreck the balance I’m striving for and the hard work I’ve put in!

My plan includes having healthy snacks in the house so that I do not let myself get over hungry.  There are plenty of plant-based soups and chili and a few special meals to make. I will have food prepared ahead of time so that I don’t head out to events hungry.  Of course, I will still have a drink or 2 and I am going to make my favorite cake for my birthday but I will not scarf down a bunch of decadent treats just because.

Work it Out

My workouts are a vital outlet for me. Recently, I have redefined my workout goals and what my workouts are. I like variety and I want to stop being so hard on myself and my body. I want to be strong today, tomorrow and for years to come.

I am committed to being active 5 – 6 days each week. I’ve loosened up my definition of  what a workout is for me. I am an active person all in all but I’ve believed for a workout to be “good” it had to be hard, sweaty and for a certain amount of time. I never used to “count” any of the other activity I did; like 4 and 5 mile dog walks, yard work, free weights at home, etc. I am practicing being kinder to myself – for these next 6 weeks my 4 and 5 mile dog walks will absolutely count as a workout!

Since I thrive on variety, that’s what I’m focused on over the next 6 weeks. I’m going to mix up my activities with going to the gym, working out at home, hiking with my dogs and horse back riding.

Organized

Being organized does not come naturally to me. I practice every day. I do get a ton of satisfaction from the moments I am organized and prepared ahead of time.  I am totally digging getting things accomplished AND having time to do the things I want to do.

For me, this means slowing down, thinking about what I have to do and what I want to do each day; making my list and then focusing on one thing at a time and allowing myself enough time to finish a task. I also need to make sure I have some down time in this mix of being organized, getting things done, working out and enjoying the season!

‘Tis the Season

This year, as I do things differently, I am focusing on all the joy and fun of the holiday season. I will not stress about what gifts to get who or trying to find last minute gifts just because. I will let the season flow together with my challenge and simply enjoy this special time of year with family and friends. 

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