Holi-daze.

Sometimes, you just feel wonky.

You just feel rank and unlike yourself. Some days are harder than others, the weeks are kicking your ass, your brain is going level 300 and you've got fears about the future running a muck. The weather has changed, the skies are darker, the days are colder and there are about a thousand things you'd rather do than freeze your ass off. Your body starts to store a bit more fat to protect you from the cold, giving your brain a run for its money. 3pm feels like fucking midnight, and the amount of energy your have lasts for an obscenely short amount of time.

You're tired, you're exhausted, and you're over it.

---

Welcome to life.

This is when we start to become unmotivated and lethargic in our everyday world. We allow our excuses, our lack of energy and our exhaustion run the show. We try so hard (so fucking hard) to fight the urge of giving up or giving into the exhaustion and fatigue.

One day, you may be able to push yourself and bust out of the negative and mundane state. While other days, you must just allow that energy to flow through you, and run its course.

...

and truthfully, sometimes - you need to do this.

Sometimes, you need to let exhaustion run its course, and allow it to be a passing emotion. Sometimes, you need to release the control, and just let it be.

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The holidays are hectic for everyone. Work picks up world-wide, stressors are high, brains are constantly fleeting and there are just never enough hours in a day. This is why energy fades, workouts start to suck, motivation lacks, and obviously food is consumed. We start to enjoy our gatherings, with treats and homemade goods knowing that it's Christmas Time, or Thanksgiving, or whatever... #ItsOnceAYear.

And it is.

These holidays are once a year. They shouldn't be avoided because of a fitness routine, and they shouldn't be used as an excuse to fly off the handles, either.

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Those temporary indulgences won't ruin all your progress, but they sure will have a negative impact if you allow them.

Usually, we allow the shame and guilt to run rampage through our minds, becoming even less motivated to get back into the routine. Often, people see that they "fucked up" and therefore continue to "fuck up" until the New Year, or season of events are over.

However, it doesn't have to be like that. You don't need to be perfect the week leading up to an event, nor do you have to be perfect throughout or after it.

Perfect doesn't exist, and the Holiday, is truly just another day.

...

(but, like I said, it is also once a year).

so again... It is meant to be enjoyed, not an excuse to go balls-to-the-walls.

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Follow your day the way you normally would, regardless of the time of year.

1. Enjoy everything in moderation.

Seriously, have some treats, and enjoy yourself. Even if it's a Monday or Wednesday. It doesn't need to be your "cheat day" to indulge. Often, waiting and restricting will result in Disordered Eating Behaviours due to scarcity.

2. Go to the event, have some food, and get back on track tomorrow.

Seriously, go back to your routine the next day. Pack some food for work and be active with a workout, a walk, or some yoga.

Move well - feel well.

3. Rest.

If your body can't do the workout that day, don't force it just to "burn extra calories". You will do more damage than good. Of course energy in versus energy out = calorie deficit / fat loss. i'm sure you've heard the line "one bad meal wont make you fat, and one good meal wont make you skinny". It's true. And the same goes for workouts. I don't care if Christmas is around the corner and you plan on having some treats. You DO NOT need to force a workout if you physically and mentally can not perform in the gym. Sometimes, your body just needs friken rest. Listen to it. Forcing a workout through exhaustion will not benefit you. Just rest, recover and get back at it when you're ready.

happy holi-dazzzzeeeee.

xo

dee