5 Ways to Get Back Into the Swing of Things
I don’t know about you, but one of the things I find hardest about January is not practicing the new habit I am trying to build with a New Year’s resolution (or theme), it is the getting back to real life. Over the holidays I am definitely guilty of letting my good habits slip. I don’t work out as much, I don’t eat as many fruits and vegetables, I don’t get as much sleep, I definitely don’t drink enough water. So now that we are shifting back to reality, it is time to get back to the good routines. It can be kind of a bummer to let go of the fun and decadence, so here are some tricks that I have found help me to get back into the swing of things.
- Let go of the guilt. Don’t beat yourself up for what has already happened. What is done, is done and it is okay.
- Baby steps. If jumping right back into everything feels overwhelming, take small steps to get you there over the course of a week or two. This year, for example, because we were out in Colorado visiting family, I did a lot of walking and playing with the boys, but I didn’t get my normal running/yoga/elliptical time. I have found that if I just jump right back to where I was I struggle and then am frustrated. So instead I am taking it slower. Sometimes I work out the same amount of time, but I don’t go as fast. Or I work out as fast, but take 5 minutes off the workout time. Or I do the poses, but don’t try to take it to the next level right away. This allows me to be good to my body and myself.
- Stick with the familiars and favorites. If you are working to get back into your old diet, make that greens dish that you absolutely love. Or cook a big batch of your favorite whole grain to use in fun ways all week. For me, that has meant making a big batch of black beans for veggie-loaded burritos and a double-batch of sweet-potato black bean burgers. Yum!
- Or try something completely different. If going back to the other routine feels depressing, try a new healthy recipe that you have been thinking about trying for a while or try a new spin on an old favorite.
- Cheat. If the withdrawl from holiday treats is making you crazy, let yourself cheat with something small but maybe a little bit better for you. Like some dark chocolate or a homemade oatmeal cookie (you can freeze the leftovers so they aren’t sitting on your counter calling to you).
