• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Threads
    • TikTok

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

Time To Take A Breath

Friday The 13th: Unlucky Running Edition

Our Top Tips For Summer Racing + Running

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / healthy holiday do’s + don’ts

healthy holiday do’s + don’ts

November 22, 2019      7 Comments

Prioritizing a a healthy holiday season doesn’t sound exciting, but if you’re trying to stick to a wellness regimen it’s not hard to make it a priority.

healthy holiday

Just a few simple do’s and don’ts can keep you on track through the holidays and into the new year. There are so many commitments, distractions and important events in the last weeks of the year, so now is the time to take a deep breath and set your game plan.

Don’t… OVERinduge

Overdoing it is so easy this time of year. It seems like there are savories, sweets and cocktails everywhere you turn. That being said, it’s absolutely ok to treat yourself in moderation. A piece of pie or spiked eggnog shouldn’t derail your wellness plans in the longterm, so consider the holidays the exception, rand indulge within reason.

healthy holiday

unsplash-logoAlexander Mils

Don’t… use the time of year as an excuse

We can’t deny the holidays can be full of commitments and tough to navigate, but don’t make that your excuse. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and with a little planning, you can still manage a very healthy holiday. Don’t automatically write off all your efforts because things get a little tricky. Something is always better than nothing. Conversely, don’t miss out on great moments because of exercise plans. Balance is key, and it’s more than ok to miss the morning miles for a fabulous date night every time.

Don’t… fall prey to internal negativity

Whatever you do, please don’t let that negative chatter get in your head. The holidays can be so full of fun and celebration, but anxiety and stress are notorious for ruining a good time. Be proactive so you can stay on top of your own mental health and wellbeing: visit your therapist, get a massage or manicure, hit the mat for a yoga session, or read a good book in a hot bath. Make time for your own self care.

healthy holiday
unsplash-logoNik Shuliahin

Don’t… punish yourself

In a similar vein, punishment is not the answer. So you overdid at the neighbor’s New Year’s party. The solution is absolutely not to drag your hungover self out to a two hour gym session as atonement. Shake it off and move on. Tomorrow is another day.

healthy holiday
unsplash-logoDanielle Cerullo

Do… sign up for that Turkey Trot

Or Gingerbread Man Dash or New Year’s Resolution Run. Having something on the calendar keeps your mind focused on a healthy holiday. Bonus: holiday runs are usually pretty fun, so you shouldn’t have any problem getting family and friends to join you.

healthy holiday

Do… pack your fitness gear if you leave town

Failure to plan is planning to fail. Grabbing your gym clothes when you head out of town is the first step in succeeding. Make use of the hotel gym, your in-law’s neighborhood, or explore a new city on your own two feet.

healthy holiday

Do… hold yourself accountable

Things are always easier when you have accountability. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy or insurmountable (in fact, it shouldn’t be).

healthy holiday

At the very least, I’ll be tackling the #HolidaySweat Challenge, committing to at least 10 minutes of activity every day. I think, between scheduled workouts, and things like walking around theme parks, shopping centers and other fun things, I’ve got it covered.

Do… be flexible and creative

Let’s face it: the holidays are packed with plans. We’ve got parties and vacation days, dinners and events. Quite frankly, this time of year is a scheduling nightmare. It’s almost impossible to keep on track, so your regular fitness or meal prep schedule might go a little haywire. Instead of getting down on yourself for a missed class or less-than-nutrient-dense meal, roll with it. Make up your run as soon as you can, and do your best with food options. It’s all you can ask of yourself.

healthy holiday

Most importantly…

Do… enjoy

Guys, the holidays should be the time for enjoyment. We should give ourselves permission to let go and take advantage of all the holidays have to offer. Eat, drink, be merry, and soak up all the love around you. That’s what it should be all about.

healthy holiday

So there you have it: my do’s and don’ts for a happy and healthy holiday season.

Tell me how you keep your wellness on track over the next month and a half 🙂

We are also joining in with Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness, so check out that link up and share your week in fitness!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kimberly Hatting says

    November 22, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    I’ve gotten so my daily (early morning) fitness just happens, without even really having to think about it. I do exercise a bit of flexibility in there if we’re traveling, etc., but I don’t stress out about making up a missed workout if things get altered with my plans. It’s life, and it’s the holidays 😉

    Reply
  2. De Bolton says

    November 23, 2019 at 12:01 am

    Great tips for staying healthy in the holidays.

    Reply
  3. Deborah Brooks says

    November 23, 2019 at 12:09 am

    The holiday sweat challenge is always fun! I agree about not punishing yourself for eating more than you intended
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…Fast Friday- Stretch Smart Infrared Sauna and Stretch ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    November 23, 2019 at 12:11 am

    Great advice! Working out is key to keep my sanity so when things get hectic with holiday plans I find a crave a workout even more.

    Reply
  5. Elaine D says

    November 23, 2019 at 1:14 am

    I think when there are already habits in place to nourish our wellness, then it becomes a norm even in the midst of the holidays. We value our wellness that we don’t even second guess our choices.
    Elaine D recently posted…From Fraps to Simply Black Coffee – Less Sugar PleaseMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Farrah says

    November 23, 2019 at 3:26 am

    Great list! I’m a big fan of “everything in moderation!” :] I think it’s important not to stress out too much and to enjoy!

    Reply
  7. Renée says

    November 23, 2019 at 10:38 am

    a resounding YES to all of these Jenn! I couldn’t have said it any better!

    I think at this point in my life, my fitness is such a priority that I always have this in mind. Because, let’s face it, if it’s not the holidays it’s something else! It’s your anniversary, it’s vacation, it’s someone’s birthday, it’s a party or a BBQ… I mean, this is LIFE right? So being flexible and always ready to squeeze something in is just part of it. But so is not being hard on yourself and not letting internal negativity bring you down.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Well, Hello There

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

Let’s Connect!

Follow on Bloglovin


Partners

Click here for FREE SHIPPING
Save With Code RUNSWITHPUGS

Pugs Run 50 States

Search Posts

Recent Posts

  • Time To Take A Breath
  • Friday The 13th: Unlucky Running Edition
  • Our Top Tips For Summer Racing + Running
  • It’s Crunch Time!
  • Ultimate Coffee Date: Let’s Enjoy June Coffee

Currently Reading

Jennifer's books

The Other Mrs.
The Skylark's Secret
Holly
Queen of Shadows
Archer's Voice
Heir of Fire
The Assassin's Blade
Lore Olympus: Volume One
By Any Other Name
Out There Screaming
Crown of Midnight
Throne of Glass
How to Kill Men and Get Away with It
Verity
Wrong Place Wrong Time
A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World
The Girl in the Leaves
The Pale-Faced Lie
Yellowface


Jennifer PugRunner's favorite books »

Archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2025 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!