How to get through the festive season without feeling guilty

Christmas is a time to be enjoyed, whether it be with family or friends. With that in mind, how do we enjoy the season without going completely off track? After all, the New Year is just around the corner. The new year provides a chance to make major inroads on your health and fitness goals and create better habits that will help you achieve the results you want. Here's a few tips to help you navigate December and enter 2022 feeling refreshed and motivated, instead of the exact opposite! 
 
1. Train in December 
This is a key way to keep on track with your training regime. At the end of the day, December is just another month. It may have a different feel to it, but it's no reason to take your foot off the gas. If you really are serious about getting fit and healthy you should aim to train the same in December as other months. Of course, enjoy the few days around Christmas and the New year but don't treat it as a total blowout either. 
 
2. Have a plan 
It can be tempted to drink loads and eat loads. The key thing to realise is that you can enjoy the festive period while still maintaining your fitness level. It just takes a bit of planning and preparation in advance. Go for the non alcoholic prosecco or beer, it tastes the same. Put a limit on the amount of times you put your hand into the boxes of chocolates doing the rounds. Get your Christmas morning walk or run in, and Stephens day too. Simply put, it's all about being smart. Relax and enjoy yourself, but keep the bigger picture in mind. 
 
3. Rest & recover. Enjoy the festive break 
You have worked hard all year, and there have been a lot of challenges and things to deal with. It’s time to relax and enjoy yourself without feeling guilty. Enjoy the time with family and friends. Try and rest more and sleep more – rest and recovery is so important to our health and well being.
 
To summarise - decide to enjoy this festive season, you deserve it! Just remember, next year is coming around the corner. Give yourself the best possible headstart you can through a balanced and healthy end of year and you'll be raring to go come January!