How to Stay Fit & Sane During the Holidays

Thank you to Athleta and ShopStyle for sponsoring today’s post.

Hi friends! Who’s happy for Friday?!  #raisesbothhands

It’s always right about this time of year when there’s only 11 days until Christmas and I start freaking out.  You too?  No matter how good my intentions, it seems like something always falls through the cracks or goes disastrously wrong.  Did you see our picture with Santa this year?! Ha!  You just have to laugh!

Well, one thing is for sure, if I take it back to basics – sleep, exercise, hydration, and keeping things in perspective, I seem to do better.  Not only will those things help keep you healthy and fit during the holidays, they will keep you from losing your ever lovin’ mind!

And did you hear? Our school was suddenly and unexpectedly cancelled starting yesterday due to whooping cough.  The kids don’t go back to school until January 7!  That’s seven extra school days off on top of their winter break.  Of course we are praying that everyone is safe and healthy, but it does cause disruption in the lives of working parents who had planned to have their kids in school during the week.   Not to mention, less instruction time, class parties and holiday programs that won’t happen this year.

I’ll admit I was freaking out a bit at first (while my kids were jumping for joy), but I had to shift my mindset, accept it, and be thankful we are safe and healthy.

HOW TO STAY FIT AND SANE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

As you can see, this post is actually perfect timing for me, so the things I’m sitting here writing to you, I’m taking to heart too.  I hope you know that we are so alike with many of the same ups and downs, crazy families, and kids that aren’t perfect angels.  But, our lives are incredibly blessed and there’s always so much to be thankful for.

The Christmas and holiday season can intensify our feelings, bring out our insecurities (did we get the right/enough gifts for the kids?), and make us binge eat.  Please tell me I’m not alone.  I know I’m the kind of person that cannot have freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in my home or I will eat every.single.one.  Hence, why our local fire department got a big ‘ole helping of sweets last weekend.

Below are some of my best tips for staying fit and sane during the holidays.  I’d love to hear your best tips in the comments.

Athleta velour jogger and hoodie

JoggerTop • HoodieHat

TREAT YOUR DIET LIKE A BANK ACCOUNT

I’ve already been indulging waaay too much in sweets and goodies, and that’s okay.  To a point.  I don’t want to wake up on January 1 with 10 pounds to lose and feel terrible.

If you know you’re going to be out at a party and indulging in lots of yummy (not good for you) food, eat light during the day and/or the next day.   That way you still get to enjoy the treats and drinks while you’re out, but have saved some room in your ‘budget’ for it.

Ali-Shaun’s White Elephant party is on Saturday, so I plan to eat my oatmeal for breakfast and a grilled chicken salad for lunch.  Planning ahead helps!

Athleta velour jogger and hoodie

STAY HYDRATED

Y’all know part of my morning routine is to fill up two big water bottles.  I keep one upstairs at my desk while I’m working and the other downstairs in the kitchen.  You would be surprised at how doing this step in the morning helps me drink more water.  Any day that I don’t do this, I’m always thirsty and mildly irritated all day.

And, I go one step further by bringing a water bottle with me when I’m out running errands during the day.

Athleta velour jogger and hoodie

JoggerTop • HoodieHat

These Athleta Double Cozy Karma Recovery Joggers feel like you’re wearing a warm hug!  They are super soft and comfortable, with a nice thick fabric that will keep you warm on a cold day.  They’re semi-fitted with a mid-rise waistband and functional drawstring waist.

As soon as I put them on, I thought these will be great for running the kids to school drop off in the morning or picking them up in the afternoon.  They’re also great for running errands or grabbing coffee with friends.

Joggers Fit : I’m wearing size XSP

Athleta velour jogger and hoodie

JoggerTop • HoodieHat

The Triumph Hoodie in Double Cozy Karma hoodie that matches the joggers is thick enough to keep you warm, but not bulky to take away your shape. You will love how they pair with the joggers for a complete outfit.

Athleta velour jogger and hoodie

I am also loving this Snow Leopard Reflective Cap. Not only is it cute, but it’s also reflective so it keeps you safe if you jog or walk in the evenings or early mornings.  It’s also easily adjustable so you can get a perfect, comfortable fit.  I’ve already been for a run with it and the longer brim helped shield my face from the sun.

Athleta velour jogger and hoodie

♥ YOU CAN SHOP THIS LOOK BY CLICKING THE PHOTOS BELOW ♥

SCHEDULE TIME FOR EXERCISE

With our schedules extra jam packed this month, exercise can be the first thing to go.  But don’t let it go completely.  Even if you’re busy and tired and have so much on your plate, carve out 20 minutes to move your body.

If you can’t get a straight 20 minutes, do those “cheat” exercises where you park far away from the store or take the stairs.  Do squats while you brush your teeth.  All those little things add up.  But, if you don’t exercise at all, it tends to have a snowball effect where you start eating even more and it’s harder to get back on track when you’re ready.

Athleta Yoga Tights & Top

TightsTopHoodie

This time of year, I’ve committed to working out three days a week for at least 30 minutes.  I often do more, but that’s the minimum I set for myself.  And trust me, there’s many days I don’t want to do that!

But, every.single.time I push myself to exercise, I’m so thankful afterwards and it helps fuel me through the rest of the day.

I feel like I get so much more accomplished when I exercise in the morning.  Do you feel that way too?

Athleta Yoga Tights & Top

TightsTop

Lately when I workout, I’ll wear a long sleeve top over my sports bra.  But, I’m finicky about my tops and want them to be nice and breathable and not constricting.  Plus, they have to feel good on.

This Speedlight Glow top is the perfect addition to any workout. It’s specifically designed to breathe so that sweat travels through the fabric so it can evaporate on the surface.

It’s also nicely ruched with hem grippers to keep it in place so your shirt doesn’t ride up during your workout.

Top Fit : I’m wearing size XS

Athleta Yoga Tights & Top

TightsTop

Athleta Yoga Tights & Top

I’ve worn a lot of leggings and these have got to be in the top 3 for both comfort and quality.  They feel like butter against your skin because they’re made with a special POWERVITA fabric that is buttery soft to the touch, yet with gentle support.

They have a smooth, high rise fit, with a hidden key pocket and side stash pockets that easily fit your phone or small essentials.

Leggings Fit : I’m wearing size XS

PRIORITIZE SLEEP

Oh yes, this is a big one.  When we don’t get the sleep we need, watch out world and kids better run and hide!  Lack of sleep is the fastest track to put me in a bad mood, make me over dramatize things and lead to getting run down and sick.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, don’t drink it in the afternoon, so you can fall asleep easier.  I also put my phone on ‘night mode’ after 8pm.  That casts a warm yellow glow as opposed to the brighter light and helps calm my brain down if I’m on my phone in the evening.  Also, I’m not all that crazy about the yellow effect, so it helps keep my late night phone scrolling to a minimum.

Athleta Yoga Tights & Top

TightsTopHoodie

Athleta reversible sherpa hoodie

This Reversible Sherpa Hoodie  great for cuddling up inside or cold outdoor workouts. It will definitely keep you toasty warm!

Athleta reversible sherpa hoodie

Like the name implies, it’s reversible, so you can wear the teddy bear sherpa side on the inside or out.  On the reverse side, is a comfy, smooth sweatshirt material.

I’m crazy for the maple red color, but it also comes in white, navy or black. It also has a handy Kanga pocket for storing essentials or keeping your hands warm.

Athleta reversible sherpa hoodie

Hoodie Fit : It’s a relaxed fit, I’m wearing size XS, would prefer XSP

Athleta reversible sherpa hoodie

KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE

Stop.

Breathe.

It’s really all going to be okay.

Even if it isn’t.

Even if you don’t find the perfect present, or the turkey burns, or your daughter bawls her eyes out on Santa’s lap.

If fact, those are the moments where memories are made.  I’ve made peace with the fact that my kids will spend some time with me and some time with their dad this time of year.  Acceptance and perspective is everything.

If our biggest problems are how to stay sane and fit during the holidays, I’d say we’re doing pretty well.  That’s not to diminish how stressful this time of year can be, but it’s to help us keep things in perspective and give ourselves permission to not do all.the.things!

Athleta reversible sherpa hoodie

After getting this order from Athleta, I can see why so many women swear by this brand of athletic wear.  Their styles, quality and comfort are spot on.  Right now you can shop their extra 20% off sale event. 

♥ YOU CAN SHOP THIS LOOK BY CLICKING THE PHOTOS BELOW ♥

I’d love to hear in the comments below how you keep your fitness up this time of year.  Are you still working out or waiting until the new year to get after it?

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

10 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips. This time of year can become hectic and calories laden….. The reminder to keep to a dietary “budget” is a great one. I am trying to get up 40 min early to sneak in a circuit workout at home to try to avoid the dreaded January “battle of the bulge”?
    Merry Christmas Meghan!

  2. Hi!love reading your blog..thanks for sharing really good tips. I enjoyed the Frozen post that you did for Jordan…and was wondering if you had any tips on purchasing gifts for 10 yr old boys……I have one and was wondering what you got for James 🙂

    1. Thank you Nupur! James is really into music, and I’m getting him an electric guitar with amp and guitar lessons. Also, my friend’s husband is making him a cornhole game set customized with the Astros and Texans logos. He’s an amazing carpenter and I’m so happy to have him make this special gift! I’ll put together a list of the smaller things I’m getting him and Jordan this week! He’s sitting near me, so I can’t get into it now! 😉

  3. Great post, such an important thing to remember. Last year after the holidays I felt terrible and it seemed like it took several months to reset. Trying to be more concientous this year to avoid that!!
    I love your white long sleeve top, but I’ve struggled to find one I like that you can’t see my sports bra through. Is the material on this one thicker? What sports bra do you wear with it?
    Happy holidays <3

  4. I definitely needed this post today after too much holiday fun this weekend. I always love your workout and motivational posts! Athleta has been my go to for years for tanks and leggings, and I may have to add this track suit to my wish list. Happy holidays to you!!

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