Holiday Break

Many times we want to always be 100% in anything we do.  Losing weight and staying fit is on the top of the list.  Even though I believe this whole heartedly, the importance of taking a physically and mental break from the stress of trying to lose weight or maintain a strict, healthy lifestyle is just as important for a couple of reasons:  1.  Realize that you are human and that change hits your entire system hard, stressing out many parts of your body and mentality.  2.  If you have been going hardcore for a few weeks and you see yourself no longer getting the results you want,  a break and restart can shock your system again and get everything moving again. 



Let's face it!  Holidays are inherently the most stressful parts of the year on their own.  So don't put more stress on your body freaking out about those 2 extra peices of chocolate that you snuck in while preparing your child's Easter basket.  (No, I am not giving you a license to go CRAZY and eat an entire tub of chocolate frosting!!!)  Temptation will always hit you, and in dieting (no matter how strict), cheating (just a tiny bit) can be all that you need to make it through the holiday. 

You should always schedule days off in your workout schedule in order to let your body heal and reconstruct the muscles you have torn.  (That is what you do when you exercise and train your body.)  Holidays are a perfect time to take a break from your workout routine, because you will be way to busy trying to get everything else taken care that you will not have time to worry about that 30 minutes you need to be doing a Zumba DVD or running on a treadmill. 

Allowing your body to relax and heal, as well as destressing your brain.  With that being said, don't just use holidays to get a break from your routine.  (What kind of break would that be!!!)  Take care of your holiday weekend and make it memorable for you, your little ones, and the rest of your family.  Spend time with your kids, doing fun stuff like teaching them something about the holiday that you are celebrating, making fun decorations or other crafts pertaining to that holiday.  It will be a great time for a bonding experience with your children, as well as doubling for a hidden life lesson for them. 

So just remember, no matter how hard you go throughout your workout week, and what your goals are, rest and relaxation will help you reach your goals more than you will ever realize.  Destressing can help you loosen up and get ready for a good workout week.  Make sure you give yourself credit for how far you have come, no matter how minute it might seem to you. So get out there, enjoy your fellowship with friends and family.