No matter what your family and holiday traditions look like, this time of year is likely busy, even stressful. Many of us will be traveling and/or hosting, cooking and baking more than usual, and probably feeling overwhelmed with food choices and social time.
Here, athlete and certified UESCA (United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy) ultrarunning coach Laurel Walker (left) shares her tips for balancing training with the holiday season:
Depending on your season, you may be in an “off-season” period, or you could be in heavy training for early season races like Bandera or Tarawera. Either way, before you allow yourself to get overwhelmed with the added demands of holidays, take a second for yourself - reflect, assess and focus on what’s important to you.
For me, taking the time to reflect on what matters to me makes all the difference. Below, I have included some tips that help me during this busy time.
Tips for Maintaining Balance During the Holidays:
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Build in quiet time for yourself every day. This can be 5 minutes or 20 but the key is that it is time for you. I have been really enjoying a short guided meditation during this time, a mindful walk or journaling
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Focus on your routine. Even if I am traveling and spending time with family I still stick to my routine as much as possible. It helps regulate my brain. For example, I love running in the morning. Even if I don’t have time for a full run I make sure to move in the morning, even if it is a walk, yoga, anything works.
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Be flexible. Even though time to yourself and routine are important, I find that adapting is so important this time of year. By adapting I mean, there is a time to be diligent and serious in training but this is not that time. You get to train all year! You may only see some of your family or friends once a year or less, make the time to see them and do the best you can with training
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Let food be a celebration. You might have specific desires and preferences with food, but give yourself some grace and enjoy the holiday food. At the same time don’t feel pressured with food or alcohol choices. Stay within yourself and what makes you feel good.
Finally, don’t forget to take your CurraNZ!! Now more than ever you need the extra boost to keep you healthy as you travel and spend time with loved ones.