Enjoy the Festive Season Mindfully

The Festive Season is synonymous with over-indulgence – both in eating and drinking, social occasions, gift giving and receiving. In order to enjoy the Festive Season mindfully it is important to always keep moderation in mind, as well as to attempt to keep to your usual routines such as exercise and spending time on yourself.

Some things for you to keep in mind to ensure that you get the most out of this Festive Season is:

1.      Set an intention for the Festive Season

Whether you are aiming to decompress and find yourself again, or perhaps get started on a new hobby, take the time to read the books you have been putting aside all year or even to embark on a fitness routine by visiting the gym more often, set your intention and focus on ways to ensure that you do the things that you want to achieve.

2.      Prioritise your plans

Following on from your intention for the season, prioritise what you spend your time on, to ensure that you get the opportunity to do the things that YOU want to do. Prioritising goes hand in hand with your routine, which brings us to the next point.

3.      Stick to your routine

If you usually get up early and go to gym to get your day started, then keep doing this. Not only will it help to give the season some structure, but it will also allow you to indulge whilst you still keep your fitness journey going. We are creatures of routine, and by maintaining yours you will find more satisfaction in this season away from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life.

4.      Remember to prioritise ‘me-time’

Modern life is busy and stressful. We know this. During the year we often neglect to find time to focus on ourselves while chasing deadline after deadline. So, use this time to reconnect. Spending time in the gym will give you the opportunity to focus on yourself – try to reach new goals, attend a yoga class you always wanted to, but could never fit into your schedule or perhaps get into the habit of taking a daily run. ‘Me-time’ takes many forms, and means different things to all of us, but try to do something every day that makes you happy.

5.      Enjoy the time with family and friends

During the year it is also often hard to make time for friends and loved ones. Use this time to catch up with your friends, play in the park with the children, build a puzzle with your grandmother, bake a cake for your partner and reconnect and nurture those bonds that might have been left in the rear-view mirror during a busy year. You could even attend a group fitness class with friends - you would be surprised at how much this revitalises you. 

6.      Practice moderation

Moderation in all things is key. Have the cake, but not the whole one! Spend time with friends and family, but make sure you spend time on you too. Have the party but have some early nights too. Achieving balance is imperative to ensure that you get the most out of this time.

If you achieve balance and mindfulness during the Festive Season, it will allow you to enter the new year refreshed and ready for all it will bring, instead of feeling ready for your next holiday!