As we head into the holiday season, the inner gremlins and binge eating Amanda of the past starts to get under my skin and truth be told, it's this WEIRD combination of excitement and giddy-ness for the holidays and FEAR of crumbling back into my old ways and starting the cycle over again.
While I know I've made SO many incredible shifts forward and have been binge free for a year and a half, anyone who has been addicted to something knows that there are triggers that remain, and the holidays have always been a major one for me.
Holidays used to mean daily binges, a shiz ton of negative self worth and an endlessly negative and irritable mindset.
And this year, I'm determined not to let that happen.
Do the holidays stress you out too?
I'm a routine gal 100% and the second I get out of my day to day structure, I feel a bit like a fish out of water.
The literal change of scenery can derail me and all of a sudden, I feel like I have to bend over backwards for those around me and putting myself and my health first become the last thing I think about.
Workouts go down the drain because I don't want to be "disrespectful" by taking the time to get it in.
I feel like I have to eat the food that's put in front of me, even if it's stuff that makes me feel like shit.
I push my daily self care routines to the side and find my anxiety at an all time high.
Sound familiar?
Heading into the holidays this year, I'm determined to feel my BEST, while taking time to unplug, fully enjoy myself and indulge in the festivities (and wine, duh).
And I know that means being intentional with how I show up every single day, especially while I'm out of my normal routine.
I hope these tips help you take agency over YOUR holiday season and gets you one step closer to ending the year feeling your freaking BEST.
TOP 3 TIPS FOR HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SANITY OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON
1. Get your workout in first thing, every damn day
I don't know about you, but I'm a raging bitch when I don't get my workouts in. And when I'm dealing with the added stress of being away from home, dealing with all the family drama (and love!), taking that time for me first thing is SO KEY to keeping my anxiety at bay and starting my day on a positive note.
So set your alarm, lace your shoes up and get your sweat on.
I'm planning on rocking out a 21 day badass at home workout program that doesn't require any equipment and are only 30 minutes in length so I can get it done quick, no matter where I am!
We're in this together!!!!
2. Set boundaries
Unless you have decided to rock the holidays solo this year (in which case, go you!), you are going to be around family a bunch -- and probably some family members you don't see very often and possibly don't get along with.
Setting boundaries around what you will and will not do is huge, and even more than that -- communicating those boundaries to your family is KEY so that they can respect your needs.
For example: When I'm with my in-laws, they know that discussing politics is off the table because we have diametrically opposed beliefs and it does neither of us any good discussing it.
If you experience something similar with your own family but haven't set those boundaries yet, before the holiday season starts, be sure to sit down with your family and explain that you want to have a wonderful time together and that out of respect to you, you ask that they refrain from discussing anything under the political umbrella while you are together.
This goes for anything else that are boundaries for you.
You don't have to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation and just "handle it". You have a voice! So share it and allow the people in your life to rise up.
Setting boundaries is something I only recently started practicing and it's been a complete game changer. I know it can feel scary to put yourself out there and set a boundary with someone else, but I promise you, it is SO empowering to do -- and mutually beneficial!
Can you imagine a world where we were all clear about our boundaries? Let's start a movement.
3. Put time aside for JUST YOU
The best piece of advice I ever received from my coach was to take at least 15-30 minutes a day for time just for ME.
Whether it's getting up early and pouring into my journal or a personal development book or taking my dog for a walk to clear my head, that "me time" is SO important amidst the hustle and bustle of all the social events, dinners and commitments this time of year.
And don't tell me you can't find 15-30 minutes for yourself. Schedule it out if you have to but make it happen. It'll change the game.
And there you have it!
Let's rock this holiday season feeling our best.
Are you with me?
Xo Amanda