JOIN USThrough our constantly over-stretched schedules, it’s interesting how we are able to find time to fit in a whole lot of celebrations, shopping and more. It’s like the preceding months of the year were all about getting ready; to allow ourselves this period of indulgences, pampering and, literally, letting go. Now the ‘letting go’ is the part that can spell a lot of trouble for most of us.
The challenge lies in being able to enjoy the festivities while staying fit. To do that, we first need to consider what the upcoming festivals and festivities mean to us, really. Defining what we want out of the following months is important. Perhaps, it’s the sole factor that will truly influence our behaviour and attitude towards ourselves.
Is it about family, friends and celebrations, with an emphasis on good times and great memories? Or, are the upcoming months going to have us get caught up in the vicious cycle of over-indulgences in food and drink? Where we start each day filled with remorse at our lack of control and good judgement the day earlier, only to have given in to the same behaviour by the end of the day again. To be forthright, if you care about how you look and feel, in terms of your health and fitness, months or even weeks of such a pattern, through the season, is definitely going to leave your body (and mind) feeling unhappy and stressed.
The joyful anticipation
One of the things that we look forward to at this time of the year is the carefree shopping. After all, we’re quite convinced that the upcoming festivals and celebrations require us to upgrade our wardrobe and accessories! Besides, we also need to ensure that we look our best for all occasions. So, we style ourselves in the latest trends and get set to usher in the festive season with panache.
But here’s some food for thought: Will all those clothes that fitted so well and looked so good when we tried them on in the store, have the same effect on us as the season progresses? If we focus only on the celebrations minus our ‘staying-fit’ programme, that can be quite a challenge.
In anticipation of the festivities, some of us have been working on our fitness and weight goals – even if it seems like a challenge, it’s a good thing that at least the effort is being made. For, those who don’t have a plan in terms of working out and eating will eventually realise that magical quick-fixes don’t work. In other words, those drastic measures for weight-loss, so easily available all around you, are going to be more damaging to your body (internally and externally) than providing you with your dream solution.
Think about it: if it were that easy why would so many of us be constantly working and striving so hard to stay fit and healthy? We all know of the underlying stress and pressures that come along with the festivities and holidays. So, we need to find ways to keep our energy levels up; not deplete them through sudden, extreme changes in our daily habits. Drastic measures that we will, in any case, not be able to keep up with — will leave us feeling more frustrated at our failed efforts.
The ‘staying-fit’ programme
It’s a simple plan that you need to draw up and follow through the season. Before you decide that you will not have the time (what you actually mean is the will power) for something like this, do read on.
Planning is important
In fact, for our purposes, it’s integral. Plan now and implement immediately. For, if you put it off for the next day or week, before you know it you’re ending the season still deciding on when you will start.
Ditch the guilt
If you’ve failed to plan and start on your programme, you’re going to find yourself caught in that cycle of over-indulgence and lack of will. There is nothing positive to be gained from feeling guilty and remorseful, unless it prompts you into action. So, ditch the guilt and focus on working out and eating better.
Stay with the ‘tried and tested’
This really may not be the best time to start on a workout or programme that is completely new. The reason I say that is because there will be added festival-related pressures on your time and energy; this will, unfortunately, make it easier for you to want to skip your workout.
However, if it is a workout that you are familiar with, you can put in a good amount of intensity and effort to even a shorter version of your regular workout and still benefit from it.
Partner up
That’s the simplest (but often overlooked) way to stay committed and regular with your workouts. It can bring so much fun and focus to one’s exercise-time.
Redefine celebrations
Eating and drinking need not be our only definition of celebrating through the
season. It is okay to say ‘no’ sometimes. Remember it’s your body (and mind) and at end of day, that is what should be more important to you than keeping someone else happy by over-indulging in food and drink that’s being offered.
Important treats
Remember to really enjoy your favourite treat. After all, that’s what makes the
season special and much looked forward to. So, instead of wasting energy on feeling guilty afterwards, commit to a little extra time to work it off and eat better in the next meal to off-set that.
Stay active, eat smart, look greatYes, it can be as simple and straight-forward as that. As I see it, you really have one of two options. You can choose to not put on weight by over-indulging or decide to just give in and indulge all the way. But please remember that the latter would, in all likelihood, put a dampener on your celebrations. After all, it’s never a happy feeling to lose all the hard work you put in on yourself through the year so far.
So, yes, go ahead and indulge in the celebrations, shopping, partying and fitness. Because, really, keeping up with that last element will ensure that you truly enjoy the occasion and get the most out of this much-awaited time of year. Here’s wishing you all a very happy and healthy festive season!
(The author is fitness and pilates educator & co-owner of The Zone, Mind & Body Studio, Bengaluru)