5 Keys To A Stress Free Summer Holiday!
by Alicja Poprawa in Education
Summer is here!
This means many of you will be going away on holiday in the next couple of weeks!
Bring on the sun shine!
I wanted to write up a couple points to help you not feel so freaked out about what you should and shouldn’t eat or whether you will be able to upkeep your exercise regime or not. I know for some of you, you won’t have an issue with this and you know you can chill out and enjoy your holiday but for some of us it can be a little more stressful so I want to give you some reassurance.
Firstly, if you are worried how this holiday will impact your progress at the gym or the scales, we will start with a reframe.
What is that?
A reframe is simply reframing how you view this holiday that you have coming up, so that you don’t freak out or have any shame or regret afterwards.
So let’s have a look!
It may feel like if you go on this holiday, have your cake and cocktails, not exercise for a week; you’re obviously gonna lose all your progress, right?
Maybe! Maybe not! But not really!
A week right now might feel like a long time but we have 52 weeks in the whole year. That’s the reframe right there. One week out of routine out of 52 weeks is not that big of a deal! It leaves you with the other 51 weeks to be on top of your game.
What I’m trying to show you here is that whatever happens on this holiday, whether you go off the rails or stick to your routine; it’s not the end of the world!
Right, now that we’ve reframed your mindset and you know that 1 week away on holiday won’t ruin all your progress, you need to decide whether you’ll stick to your healthy habits during your holiday or take a temporary break.
It’s your choice and it’s completely okay whichever you choose!
But it’s important that you make this choice as it will give you the peace of mind that you are doing what is best for you. And you won’t have any feelings of shame or regret that you did or didn’t eat something you really wanted to because you’ve made a conscious decision.
Own it!
I also want to mention that just because you are going away somewhere does not mean you have to abandon your healthy habits especially if they make you feel good.
So make the choice that feels best for you!
If you make the conscious decision to do the best that you can on your holiday then aim for ‘better’ rather than ‘perfect’.
Obviously when you’re away from home you won’t always have the same food options available so rather than trying to be perfect, aim for choices that are closer inline with your goals.
Try to fit in veggies and fruit where you can and aim for a portion of protein with each meal (such as greek yogurt/ eggs/ tofu/ chicken/ fish ect.) to keep you satiated so you don’t turn to too many snacks.
What about exercise?
Again, the choice is yours. Depending on your holiday, whether you will choose to stay active or not you will still probably be walking, maybe swimming, cycling, hiking or whatever else.
If you want to add in some exercise because it makes you feel good then do it!
If you want a break, then have a break. The gym will be ready for you when you’re back. You may lose some progress but if you get right back into it, it won’t be detrimental.
I know some of you will also be worried about gaining some extra pounds after your holiday.
This will be individual to each of you but maybe check in with yourself whether you need to weigh yourself at all when you’re back from your holiday especially if you think it will negatively impact how you feel.
After all, you don’t want to come back from an awesome holiday and then ruin your mood or how you feel because of a number on the scale.
Also our weight fluctuates from day to day naturally and if you’re traveling and the fact you will be out of normal routine, eating different foods then your weight will definitely not be the same. And that’s normal. If you get back into your routine after your holiday then give it a couple weeks and your weight will probably return back to where it was.
And of course, most importantly have a fabulous time! Make memories with your loved ones and take loads of photos! Remember the reframe, it’s only a week so make the most of it! We’ll be ready for you when you’re back!
Coach Alicja x
Griffin Fit Personal Trainer