Chapters
- 00:03:00 Debunking the Wagon Myth
- 00:06:00 Permission to Pivot
- 00:09:00 Empowerment Through Personal Stories
- 00:12:00 Conclusion and Holiday Season Reflections
The holiday season can evoke a whirlwind of emotions, from joy and excitement to stress and anxiety. As we gather with loved ones, indulge in festive foods, and navigate our busy schedules, it’s essential to consider how to maintain our health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies to cope with the challenges of real life during this time, drawing insights from a recent podcast discussion between nutritionists Gwen Holtan and Sheena.
Understanding the Holiday Stressors:
The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it also brings unique challenges. As Gwen and Sheena point out, many people find themselves facing increased stress, more food temptations, and less opportunity for exercise. It’s crucial to acknowledge these changes without allowing them to derail our health goals. Recognizing that real life happens and can disrupt our routines is the first step toward finding balance.
Reframing the Narrative:
One of the key insights from the podcast is the importance of reframing our thoughts around health and fitness. Gwen highlights a common mindset where individuals feel they need to “jump back on the wagon” after a slip-up. Sheena counters this by emphasizing that there is no wagon. Instead of thinking in binary terms of success and failure, consider that there are multiple paths to your goals. If you stumble on one path, there are always others to explore.
A Powerful Analogy:
Sheena shares a powerful analogy comparing our health journey to a multi-lane highway. If you veer slightly off course, it’s not the end—the key is to find another lane that still leads you to your destination. This perspective not only reduces the pressure to be perfect but also fosters a healthier, more sustainable approach to nutrition and exercise.
Embracing Imperfections:
During the discussion, Gwen reflects on her personal experiences, including a time of grief after losing her brother. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion during difficult periods. Instead of beating ourselves up for not adhering to our usual routines, we should allow ourselves the grace to step back and focus on healing. For Gwen, this meant incorporating exercise in a way that felt healing rather than punitive, like attending a CrossFit class when she could.
Real Life Examples:
The podcast also shares real-life cases of clients navigating stress and uncertainty. One client, for example, faced unexpected challenges when her husband was hospitalized. Instead of feeling guilty for not tracking her meals or maintaining workout routines, they reframed the situation as a temporary ‘deload week’—acknowledging that sometimes self-care means prioritizing mental health over strict adherence to a plan.
The Importance of Self-Permission:
A recurring theme in the conversation is the concept of giving oneself permission. Both Gwen and Sheena advocate for a mindset shift that allows for flexibility. This includes asking yourself, “What would happen if I tried something different?” This question opens up possibilities and helps individuals approach their health with curiosity rather than rigidity.
Takeaways
- Real life is happening all the time, especially during the holidays.
- Authenticity is key; show up as you are, without filters.
- The ‘falling off the wagon’ myth is debunked; life is a multi-lane highway.
- Set realistic expectations and reframe how you view food and exercise.
- Life is like a GPS; reroute when the road is blocked.
- Give yourself permission to take a different path, even if it takes longer.
- The journey is the destination; every decision is a step forward.
- Find strength in vulnerability and embrace the journey, no matter how bumpy.
- Self-care is essential, not selfish; it empowers you to show up for others.
- Embrace the journey and remember, real life is beautifully imperfect.