Stay Motivated During the Holidays: 7 Things to Do Now

Stay Motivated During the Holidays: 7 Things to Do Now

The 38 days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve tend to be filled with food, family, parties and travel. The hectic holiday season can make it hard to juggle your daily responsibilities and stick to healthy habits.

With a long to-do list and what feels like a million places to be, it’s easy to stop cooking healthy meals or skip the gym. But keeping up with your healthy habits during the holidays can leave you feeling energized, happier and ready to start 2018 on a positive note.

That in mind, here are seven ways to stay motivated this holiday season and beyond:

1. Organize and prioritize:

Keep a monthly calendar and daily to-do list so you can stay on top of everything that needs to get done. It’s also helpful to estimate how long it will take to complete each task—this can help you manage your time better so you can actually squeeze in a trip to the gym or go grocery shopping.

2. Download the Blue Cross mobile app:

Simplify your life by having all of your health goals in one place. Through the BCBSM mobile app you can sync your fitness trackers and other healthy living mobile apps so you can check them all in a single spot. You can even find personalized health-improvement information, exercise videos, nutritious recipes and more to help keep you motivated no matter where you spend your holidays.

3. Give yourself a break:

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can wear on you, zapping you of your motivation to tackle tasks. Fight the frazzle by taking time for yourself every day, whether it’s one long break or multiple mini ones. After you complete a large task, go on a little walk, chat with a coworker about something fun, or close your door and briefly meditate.

4. Work out in the morning:

Jam-packed days leave little time for a real workout, and waiting until the evening to exercise makes it easier to come up with an excuse. That’s why it’s helpful to get a workout done in the morning. Try this quick and easy HIIT workout — you’ll burn a lot of calories and feel more energized to tackle the day!

5. Get up and get moving:

While a dedicated workout is great, try to work activity into your day. Walk a few extra laps around the mall while you’re out shopping, take the stairs instead of the elevator or if winter comes early, grab the family and go sledding!

6. Treat yourself:

It’s fine to have a slice of pie on Thanksgiving or eat one of the cookies your aunt mailed to you, but try to be mindful about these indulgences so you don’t overdo it. If you love desserts, try swapping ingredients with healthier ones or find healthier alternatives to your favorite holiday treats. You can also add your favorite fruit to your snack regimen—this can satisfy your sweet tooth.

7. Learn to ask for help or say no:

It is easy to spread yourself thin during the holidays—you want to do it all, but shouldn’t. Overcommitting to too many tasks can make you feel overwhelmed. Asking for help is not always easy to do, but if you need extra support on a task, don’t be afraid to call on a colleague, friend or family member.