Getting back into the swing of things after the holidays can be a bit of a challenge.
You might be coming off several plates of indulgence, copious amounts of liquor, and possible negligence from anything to do with exercise beyond putting on and taking off your comfy clothes each day.
(You did change your clothes over the holidays, didn’t you?)
Even for the best of us who have great habits and routines, we can fall out of rhythm in what we like to do.
For example, I just recently started what’s called Phase 1 of the 75 Hard Challenge that I completed last winter. For me, this 30-day challenge is something I know I am capable of tackling right now to help myself get back on track, but I know it’s not for everyone.
If you happen to be at a different place and just need some tips and guidance to get going again, know that there’s no need to stay down in the dumps longer than necessary.
Here are five tips to help get your started!
Start Small
It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you currently feel like garbage. Getting going from what feels like a standstill can mentally draining and cause you to want to quit before you begin.
However, if you want to get things going, don’t try and do everything at once.
Start small.
What is one small thing that you can focus on today?
For example, The Resilience Toolbox program that has helped me in so many difficult times focuses on three key areas which are sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
These three areas are the foundation of self-care to help you show up and be at your best every day.
So, chances are that over the holidays one of (or all) of these areas started to slip off track.
To get back on track after the holidays, pick one area of self-care that you would like to focus on, then build from there.
To get back on track after the holidays, pick one area of self-care that you would like to focus on, then build from there. Share on X(Note: If you are looking for a keynote speaker or workshop to help drive home your wellness initiatives, contact Kevin here!)
Sleep
Have you been staying up late? Are you still having alcohol before bed? Do you find yourself sleeping in longer than you want to?
Consider picking one area of your sleep to help you get back on track after the holidays.
If your morning routine needs improvement, decide what will make a difference for you. Do you need to focus on eating a healthy breakfast? Do you need to keep your commitment to waking up when your alarm goes off? Do you need to prioritize some form of exercise to get your body moving and feel more alert to start the day?
If your evening routine needs improvement, consider disconnecting from your phone one hour before bedtime. Pick up a book instead, take some time to journal, light a candle, take a bath… do something that helps you disconnect from the day.
Check out this article I wrote to help you dive deeper on creating your sleep schedule.
However, in simple terms, pick one area in your morning or evening routine that you know you can focus on and start building momentum.
Nutrition
Now, I’ll be the first to raise my hand and say that I don’t like buying groceries. I just hate the time commitment and don’t enjoy anything about the process.
I know that I can order meal delivery service and much more, but with some frustrating food sensitivities, I have to put in the time and effort for my diet, and when I do, it makes all the difference.
Taking the time to buy some healthy groceries may seem daunting, but when you do, it’s one more step in the right direction.
When we are low on energy, feeling sluggish, or in a slump, going to buy groceries doesn’t seem like a 30 or 60 minute task. It feels like a major commitment throughout your day.
So, you tend to avoid it, but how often do you feel better after it is done?
You’re excited! You have food!
(And now you don’t have to leave your house again.)
Perhaps you need to focus on eating three meals a day again. Or possibly you aren’t drinking enough water. If you are dehydrated you’re likely going to feel more fatigued and make poorer food choices.
When you hear me speak about The Hero Mindset, these are the examples of where small things make a big difference to help you become a hero in your own movie.
Every small decision you make increases your confidence in yourself, your trust within yourself, and your ability to build momentum that will translate into your everyday life and business success.
Every small decision you make increases your confidence in yourself, your trust within yourself, and your ability to build momentum that will translate into your everyday life and business success. Share on X(Note: If you are looking for a keynote speaker or workshop for an upcoming wellness event on mental health, resilience, or managing change, contact Kevin here!)
Exercise
Exercise has tremendous benefits such as it can reduce stress, fight against health conditions, and boost your energy.
Personally, living with my spinal cord injury, it’s non-negotiable for me. I have to make this a part of my life.
When I exercise regularly, my walking is better, I am more confident in my decision making, how I move around throughout the day, and my overall mood is significantly better.
If you are off track right now, what is something small that you can do to get your body moving again?
Can you get outside for a 10-minute walk in the morning? Can you take a walking meeting in the afternoon? Can you schedule time for a hike one evening or on the weekend to spend more time in nature?
Can you leverage your condo gym or pick up some basic exercise equipment online?
You don’t need to adopt a full exercise program like I do with the 75 Hard Challenge.
To get back on track after the holidays, focus first on creating discipline and routine to help build your momentum.
To get back on track after the holidays, focus first on creating discipline and routine to help build your momentum. Share on XStay Consistent With Habits
Finally, think about what habits will help you stay consistent.
For example, here is what my morning routine looks like:
– Wake up at 6am
– Shower, make a pre workout, go straight to the gym
– Post workout smoothie
– Read 10 pages of my book
– Spend five minutes with the 5-Minute Journal
– Start my day
Here is what my evening routine looks like:
– Make sure I’m off my phone and devices no less than 30 minutes before bed
– Recap my day with the 5-Minute Journal
– Make note of three simple things to focus on the next day
– Tidy up my home so that when I wake up in the morning, I’m starting my day with a clear space and a clear mind
– Set my timer to track my sleep
– Lights out
I view each of those little steps as part of my mental checklist to help get my day going and wind down in the evening.
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned, however these are the habits that help guide me.
These habits I’ve developed are what help me know if I am “on track” or “off track”.
What small habits work for you?
Can you put your gym clothes out the night before somewhere visible to help trigger you in the morning?
Can you practice using a meditation app in the evening to help you wind down before bed?
What time of the day can you set a reminder that you know will trigger you to make sure you prioritize eating lunch instead of working through it?
Creating habits and routines may seem trivial, but they are key to helping you get back on track after the holidays.
In Conclusion
If you find yourself out of your groove and trying to get yourself back on track, focusing on these three areas can help you get dialed in relatively quickly.
Your nutrition, sleep, and exercise are key components to finding the energy you are looking for and will help create the mental clarity that fuels you on a day to day basis.
The key is to not let yourself get overwhelmed and start small.
Pick one thing.
Pick something that works for you.
When you focus on small things that make a big difference, that’s how each of us can become a hero in our own movie.
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Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you succeed:
How to Stop Saying Yes and Get Back In Control
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Whenever you are ready here are the 3 best ways I can help you:
- Get a FREE copy of my autobiography (click here)
- Looking for a speaker for your next event? (Contact Kevin)
- Learn more about The Resilience Toolbox Workshop (click here)