It’s here, the holidays that is - Thanksgiving is in just a few short days. We’re officially heading into one of the busiest times of the year!

 

Before everything ramps up … let’s take some time to get prepared NOW.

 

A little bit of effort now will help you cruise through the holidays without the stress.

 

It all starts with taking care of YOU.

 

When life gets hectic, one of the first things to drop off our to-do lists is our self-care routine. Which is ironic, since taking a little time for yourself each day will help you do everything else better.

 

Here are some tips to stay ahead of the game:

 

1. Try to make a simple meal plan each week or batch cook during the holidays so that you can have meals or foods that are readily accessible!

 

I've been on a chili kick as of late. It's been really helpful to just grab it out of the fridge, throw it in a bowel, warm it up and boom you're ready to go.

 

Some other quick options are:

- Prep a protein source

- Steam some veggies

- Roast sweet potatoes or russet potatoes

 

Another great thing that I do is have a berry smoothie with spinach or rice frozen cauliflower (it's tasteless) most days of the week because I can fill it chock full of the things we might not be able to get at other meals.

 

If you are already batch cooking, meal prepping, keep it going during the holidays, you'll be glad you did.

 

2. Don’t ditch your training sessions. Keeping your workouts going through the holiday season will keep you feeling good, strong, and fit. Adjust your workouts to the equipment that you have available and or shorter them, or do all-body training sessions 3 times a week!

 

Not only that it will keep your immune system happy especially if you are keeping your step game STRONG - leisure walks anyone?! Even a 20-30 minute walk will do!

 

One study found that women who walked for a half-hour every day for a year had 50% fewer colds than those who didn’t. That’s because regular walking appears to lead to having more infection-fighting white blood cells.

 

Plus, exercise can help you fight stress. When you work out, your body releases more feel-good, mood-boosting hormones.

 

3. Make a list (or two!). If you have a hectic holiday schedule, start planning NOW so you can do as much ahead of time as possible. Running around at the last minute trying to get everything done is the absolute worst!

 

Put together a checklist of everything you have to do, and then do it (even better, delegate it!).

 

4. Relax. Make time for family and friends, and enjoying old traditions or making new ones.

 

Let go of expectations of how you think things “should” go, and enjoy them as they are! It’s often the things that happen out of the ordinary that we look back on with a smile.

 

If you’re going to be alone or working over the holidays, make time to mark the occasion! Watch a movie, eat a special meal, or treat yourself to a spa session.

 

Welp, that's it for now. Thanks for reading, have a great week!

 

In Strength

Xo

Candace

 

P.S. Don't forget to keep an eye on your inbox this coming Friday - Black Friday!!! Your Black Friday special will hit your inbox around 7 a.m. PLUS the first 5 people who purchase the deal are getting a BONUS.🎉 So, set an alarm on your phone for 7 a.m. on Black Friday so that you don't miss this incredible special.