How to Survive the Holidays without Saying F*ck It!

The holidays are a time of joy, family, friends, and traditions. But for many, they can also be a time of stress, anxiety, and overindulgence. If you’re looking to survive the holidays without saying f*ck it, here are a few tips.

Make a plan:

Making a plan is essential for any goal, big or small. Whether you want to get in shape, save money, or travel the world, a plan is a must. Without one, you'll likely find yourself spinning your wheels and getting nowhere.

The first step in making a plan is to figure out what you want to achieve this holiday season. What are your goals? Once you have a list of goals, you can start to come up with a plan of action to achieve them. What do you want to experience this holiday season? What will this look like for you?

Your plan doesn't need to be perfect, and it can change as you go along. But having a plan is much better than having no plan at all. So, sit down, write out your goals, and come up with a plan of action to achieve them. You'll be glad you did.

Set boundaries:

When setting boundaries with other people, it's important to be clear and concise. State what you need and want, and then stick to it. If the other person can't meet your needs, then it's best to move on. Don't be afraid to set boundaries; it will ultimately lead to a healthier, happier you. This means if you don’t want to have certain foods and someone makes a comment that you have to try it, stand your ground! Let them know you don’t want any - you are full or you just don’t like it. This also means that if someone should make a comment about you, your body, what is on your plate, be very clear that their comments are not welcomed. You can let them know how those comments make you feel - this is important for communication! Words can hurt and have you second guessing.

Stick to your routine:

There's something about a routine that just makes us feel good. It might be the predictability of it or the sense of accomplishment we get from completing it, but there's no doubt that sticking to a routine can be extremely beneficial.

What will your routine look like this holiday season? Begin to define that for yourself now.

One of the best things about having a routine is that it can help us focus on our goals. It can help you avoid spinning out of control, especially during the chaos of the holidays. When we know what we're supposed to be doing each day, it's easier to stay on track and make progress. Think about the habits that you can easily maintain over the holidays and build that into your holiday routine. Things like getting in enough water, tracking or at least eating protein at each meal, getting in your sleep and maybe even having a step goal!

And, even if we don't always accomplish everything we set out to do, at least we know we're trying our best.

Another great thing about routines is that they can help us avoid decision fatigue. When we have to make a lot of choices throughout the day, our brain can get tired, making it harder to focus and make good decisions. But, if most of our decisions are already made for us, we can conserve our energy and use it for more important things.

So, if you're looking for a way to not say f*ck it this holiday season while improving your life, consider creating a routine.

Avoid overindulging:

It can be all too easy to overindulge during the holiday season. Between the parties, the family gatherings, and the endless amounts of food, it's easy to lose track of what's healthy and what's not. But overindulging can add up and impact your overall health, and it can also lead to weight gain.

If your goal is to maintain as much as possible over the holiday season [which is what we ENCOURAGE and COACH at MBF] you will want to avoid overindulging. Let’s be real though, you will likely enjoy a few extra treats here and there.

So if you want to stay healthy and avoid putting on extra pounds during the holidays, be careful not to overindulge. Stick to mostly nutrient dense choices, what you feel supports your goal to maintain while enjoying some of your favorites in moderation.

And if you do indulge a little, that’s okay. You do not have to exercise more to offset the choices. Just move on and get back to the routine you set for the holidays.

Take some time for yourself:

Take some time for yourself and do something you enjoy. It can be something as simple as reading a book, taking a walk, or taking a bath. It can also mean following your exercise program you set up for your holiday routine. Remember, this may look different than what you normally do.

However, taking some time for yourself can help you relax and clear your mind. The holidays can be overwhelming and often why it’s easier to say f*ck it. When you take time during the chaos to relax - clear your mind - it will likely help you sleep better which in the end will also make your decisions easier to make!

Have some f*cking fun:

This should have been tip #1. It is so important to actually have some fun!

There's no need to be so serious all the time. You don’t have to be so dialed in that you don’t take the time to be present with friends and family.

You can have fun and enjoy yourself without feeling guilty. Relax and enjoy yourself