You can take it from any of the members at CrossFit Achieve…the holiday season can be quite the challenge to navigate. It can feel overwhelming when you are juggling family gatherings, school events, and endless to-dos.
But here’s the thing: even small choices can keep you feeling strong, healthy, and ready to tackle the season. Here are three common fitness mistakes we see during the holidays, along with tips to help you stay on track without overhauling your routine.
1. Skipping Workouts Completely
The holidays often mean disrupted schedules, and it’s easy to feel like there’s just no time for a workout. But skipping exercise altogether can throw you off mentally and physically, making it harder to get back on track come January.
How to Avoid It:
Instead of skipping workouts, adjust your expectations. Even short 20-30 minute sessions can be incredibly effective. Try getting in a quick workout in the morning before the day gets busy, or break up your exercise throughout the day if you’re short on time. You can also keep a few basic exercises in your toolkit, like squats, push-ups, and planks, which require minimal space and equipment. If you are a member of CFA, you have access to our Achieve At Home track in our Wodify app – take a look next time!
2. Going All-In or All-Out on Nutrition
Many people fall into the “all or nothing” trap during the holidays, going from super strict to fully indulging because “it’s the season.” But this mindset often leads to guilt, stress, and a cycle that makes it harder to get back to balanced eating.
How to Avoid It:
Focus on moderation. If you’re at a family gathering, enjoy your favorite holiday foods without guilt but aim to keep portions reasonable. Try to prioritize high-protein foods (like turkey, lean meats, or cottage cheese) and stay mindful of your choices most of the time. Let yourself enjoy holiday treats, but make protein, vegetables, and hydration the core of your meals. This keeps you satisfied and limits overindulging, making it easier to stay on track.
3. Neglecting Sleep and Hydration
With packed schedules, late nights, and holiday stress, sleep and hydration often take a back seat. This can lead to low energy, increased cravings, and poor recovery – a trifecta leading to neglected fitness.
How to Avoid It:
Set a sleep and hydration goal that works for you, like aiming for seven hours of sleep and at least 100oz of water per day. Prioritizing these two things can make a huge difference in your energy levels and will help keep stress hormones balanced. Try to drink a full glass of water when you wake up, and carry a water bottle with some motivation on it like this one to remind you why its important!
Priorities to Keep Your Fitness and Wellness on Track
Here’s a quick list of habits to focus on that will help you stay consistent and feel good all season:
- Protein: Make it a priority to include a source of protein with every meal to help you stay full and support your muscles.
- Hydration: Aim for at least two liters a day, or drink a full glass with each meal and snack to keep energy up and curb cravings.
- A Morning Routine: Establishing a short morning routine — even if it’s just 10 minutes — can help set a positive tone for the day and ensure you fit in some movement or hydration first thing. Good decisions always beget more good decisions!
All of these tips should sound pretty familiar since we practice what we preach here at CrossFit Achieve. Be sure to check out this recent blog post for a few more ideas! This holiday season, focus on what you can control and don’t stress about being perfect. If you need help navigating this holiday season, send us an email or schedule a call to chat about your goals. We are always happy to help!
