Happy Holiday Habits

The theme of the holidays is one of giving and in the true spirit of the season, this is what we all desire to do. However, we have all learned the lesson that when we give more than we have the energy to give, our health and emotional state will suffer. Perhaps one of the most authentic gifts you can give to others is your happiness and well-being. The contagion that comes from a positive mind and healthy body is truly a priceless gift to those around you.

So as you make your shopping lists and plan for your parties continue to schedule the time you need to keep yourself whole. Maintaining your exercise program during the holidays is the most important gift for you to give to you! And if you want to offer a tremendous gift to others, spend time with them on a walk, hike or meet them at the gym so you can support them in their healthy habits. Shortening the time of an exercise bout is a better option than cutting it out of your daily schedule. Since habits are hard to develop, if you are already consistent, it is important to maintain it so the pattern is not lost during this time of relative mayhem.

If you are not consistent with an exercise regimen, then it is ok to start now as long as it is the only habit you are trying to adopt. And perhaps this may be the habit to choose, since your health is a grand gesture of self-love. So what are the steps to developing and maintaining a good habit?

Keep it simple, write it down, stay consistent and monitor your own feedback. Habit adoption goes through about 3 phases where month 1 is the time when you are committed, but slight interruptions can throw you off . By month 3, the desire to maintain versus give up on it is about neutral, meaning there is a 50/50 chance you will go either way. And by the end of year 1, it is generally harder to give up on the habit than it is to continue it. So by keeping it simple, writing it down and maintaining consistency you will give yourself the best shot at success. And finally, monitoring your own feedback to see if you are enjoying yourself and feeling better is key to facilitating this positive change. Because after all, if it not bringing you more joy and well-being, is it a great addition to your life?