Discussing how to approach your diet and exercise routine over Christmas is a conversation I’m having a lot with clients at the minute.
It feels like quite a big topic, perhaps because I don’t think there’s really a right answer to how you “should” approach things.
How do you feel about your diet and exercise routine over the next few weeks?
Are you looking forward to a break? Perhaps you’re resigned to a break?
Perhaps you’re worried that the inevitability of all the tasty, extra calories and the ease with which you could avoid exercise might push you out of the routine you’ve been working hard to get into.
If this is the situation you find yourself in, I do have a good idea for this – and it’s something I’ve written about more than once or twice before at this time of year!
Make a set of rules, and stick to them!
The rules you make are not important. What is important is that you maintain the discipline of playing by the rules.
This way, you’ll have that pleasing sense of accomplishment having done what you set out to do.
And, when you’re ready to get back to a set of rules more in line with your overall goal, it won’t feel like such a big deal.
The way I’d go around setting the rules is this:
– think about your plans over Christmas. How much control do you have over what you’re going to eat and drink; and what exercise you could do?
– what do you really love about Christmas – what are you not prepared to go without? How much of these things is reasonable?
– what are you not bothered about? Can you avoid these things without it being socially awkward?
– what level of commitment are you willing to put in? For example, are you happy to get up a bit earlier to maintain something of an exercise routine?
By the time you’ve thought of these things, you’ll find you already have a pretty clear idea of your rules.
Make a note of them, commit to them, and maintain the discipline to stick with them in just the same way you’ve been playing by your “it’s-not-christmas” rules.
I’ll look forward to hearing how you get on!