Practice Self-Compassion In Fitness: How Women Over 50 Can Navigate Holiday Challenges

Small Space Fitness: Cat Corchado

Welcome everyone to the December video blog for Cool Life. I’m Cat Corchado, your movement specialist. Today I wanted to talk a little bit about something that we don’t do a lot for ourselves. 

Practicing Self-Compassion In Our Fitness Journey:

Now I know you think you’re gonna that I’m going to say how to work out, tips to make it easier, but you know during the around this time of year it’s hard to get it in, right? You’re with family. You’re supposed to be enjoying these moments. So today we’re going to talk about something that’s incredibly important, yet often overlooked during the holiday season, practicing self-compassion in our fitness journey. 

Didn’t think I was going to say that, did you? So the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration and a break from our regular routines. It’s a time to power down, a time to be with family, good food, good company, just really relaxing. It’s also a time when maintaining a consistent workout schedule can be challenging, but guess what? It’s perfectly okay. 

“So how do we practice self-compassion? First, acceptance.”

Self-Compassion:

Self-compassion is all about being kind to ourselves when things don’t go as planned. In the context of fitness, it means understanding that it’s okay to miss a workout, to indulge in holiday treats, and to enjoy the season without guilt. So how do we practice self-compassion? First, acceptance. 

Accept that it’s okay that it’s the holiday season, a time when routines are often disrupted, and it’s okay not to stick to your regular workout schedule. That’s not to say that if you want to go out for a walk, make it a family affair. Get your kids, grandkids, all together and go for a stroll. 

Is it a walk getting your heart rate up? No, but it’s okay. Secondly, be kind to yourself. Instead of being hard on yourself when missing a workout, remind yourself that it’s okay to take a break. 

Fitness: A Journey Not A Destination:

It’s about overall progress and not perfection. So let’s talk about mindful eating. 

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious food, which can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt. Instead, enjoy the treats, the cake, the cookies, the cupcakes, the pies, but do so mindfully, savoring each bite and paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues. You can also consider incorporating physical activity into your holiday celebrations, such as we just talked about a stroll, a nice walk, maybe go outside and play kickball with the kids. 

Those types of things. If it’s snowing, go out and build a snowman. Play in the snow like you’re a child.

“The holiday season is synonymous with delicious food, which can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt.”

Your Regular Routine:

So this doesn’t mean you have to stick to your regular routine. There are other things out there that you can do that are fun, but aren’t really considered fitness, but it’s okay. So consider activities that you enjoy like dancing, playing a sport, or even going for a walk with loved ones. 

See how often that comes out? Also remember your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Please take time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the holiday season because it contributes to your overall well-being. Finally, if you feel like you’ve fallen off your fitness routine, remember that each day is a new opportunity to start fresh. 

Please don’t wait for the holiday season to end to get back on track. Instead, make the most of each day. Remember the holiday season is a time for celebration and relaxation. 

It’s okay to take a break from your regular fitness routine. What’s important is to practice self-compasion, enjoy the season,and get back on track when you’re ready. I hope this helps.