Stay Active, Practice Mindfulness: How To Create a Healthy Schedule and Routine

An array of sweet treats, snacks, and desserts after every meal. A dinner table lined with an assortment of meats, freshly baked breads, and warm roasted potatoes and vegetables. Drinks galore, from mulled wine, sparkling wine, and fruit cocktails, to warm cups of cocoa during cold evenings.

Whether sugary or savory, the holidays are typically a time of temptations, presenting us with multiple opportunities around every nook and corner to overindulge in a variety of food, snacks, and beverages.

From the seemingly endless dinner parties and lunch dates to the office holiday party and trays of steamy cookies to sample when out shopping, the holiday season is a time of celebration and tantalization.

Each year, as the holiday period rolls around, we’re often conditioned to throw our regular exercise routine out of the window, only to reap the repercussions thereof in the new year. And once we’re back in our normal routine, and notice that our pants are sitting a bit more snuck than usual, we often feel a sense of regret towards ourselves.

Creating a Healthy Schedule During the Holiday Season

While the holidays are a time of celebration, we often neglect our physical and mental well-being. It’s not just you, a lot of people tend to overindulge during the festive period.

One survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that nearly two-thirds of those surveyed claim that they tend to overindulge in food. Even more, around 45 percent said they typically take a break from their exercise routine, with more than half saying they feel tired, and have less time for themselves.

In fact, in another study, some two in five American adults say that their stress levels increase during November and January compared to other times of the year.

Whether it’s having more time to spend at home with family, simply clearing your schedule, getting some alone time, and finally tackling those items on your to-do list, the holidays are usually busier and filled with all sorts of temptations, leaving little time to focus on our own needs.

Peter McMullin, President of Sibu Sea Berry Therapy, a specialty supplements and functional foods company says, “Although the holidays are meant to be celebrated with friends and family, it’s also a time to reflect on the year that was and begin to plan for the new year. Setting new goals and looking towards ways you can improve yourself.”

Peter and his brother, Dusty McMullin, are two second-generation entrepreneurs working at their father, Bruce McMullin’s company, Sibu, which he founded — back in 2004.

Time to deck the halls and get yourself back into action, setting boundaries, and learning how to schedule exercise, practice mindfulness, and have more balance this holiday season.

Plan an Active Holiday Season

While the work year and all the stress and anxiousness that comes with it is now behind you, you can begin to look towards planning an active holiday season that allows you enough time in your day to do more active things, such as exercising, walking or going to the gym, but still have time on your hands to rest.

If you’re planning a staycation this year, start by planning a weekly workout schedule for several days of the week. If you already have a workout schedule, try and follow through with it as much as possible. For those looking to be a bit more active, see how you can fit a workout or two into your schedule instead of sitting around the whole day.

For people who may be traveling this holiday season, try to plan your itinerary to include things such as exercise, whether that’s walking or going for a run. Make sure to pack the right activewear, such as running shoes, pants, and a comfortable shirt.

Have a Balanced Meal Plan

As already mentioned, we tend to feel extremely tempted with all sorts of food and drinks during this time of the year. While it’s not always easy turning a blind eye to these temptations, try and incorporate a more balanced meal plan throughout normal weeks.

Instead of having something heavy for every meal, plan your meals to incorporate a variety of fresh produce, lean meats, low-carb dishes, and drink lots of water.

According to Dusty, Vice President of Operations at Sibu, he says, “Food is our medicine. Having a balanced meal allows us to feel good and energized. Combining that with exercise ensures we stay fit and active without overindulging unnecessarily.”

Try to source healthier alternatives and purchase products that are lower in sugar and are made from natural and organic ingredients. While it may be easier, and sometimes cheaper, to buy something pre-made, rather opt to make things yourself at home so that you know how much you’re consuming.

Practice a Steady Healthcare Routine

The cold weather, lack of sun, and shorter days can demotivate anyone. Having to spend most of your days indoors or inside a car while traveling can steadily take a toll on your body.

Taking a bit of time…