This is the time of year when people start thinking about heading south for some warmer weather and ocean breezes. Although this winter has been unseasonably warm with record highs here in Minnesota, plans have been made, flights are booked, and it's still nice to get a little taste of summer mid-winter (like our Springtime temps today!).
Not only is getting out of dodge a nice escape, it can be a bit nerve wracking for those working on making lifestyle changes. When we are home, our routine is normal, our foods are what we're used to, and we typically know what to expect. When we're away from home, that sense of security goes out the window.
And, that's understandable. Different environment. Different foods. More temptation. It can all be, well, scary... especially if you've been making steady progress toward weight loss or health goals.
But, I've got good news! There is no need to fret!
You may be surprised how well people can do while away from home. First, just because you're on vacation doesn't mean it's a free-for-all. It's still important to be mindful. But, it is okay to allow for things you may not consider at home. For one thing, they may not be available. So what does being mindful look like? Well, are you going to have an entire slice of fresh key lime pie, or will you split it between you and your spouse or other travel companions?
You'll also want to set realistic goals. Do you think you can still lose weight while you're on vacation? It's possible. I've seen it done. It took a lot of planning and preparation, even though the day's opportunities were not set in stone. If that is making you feel a bit anxious right now, another idea is to consider maintaining where you are now instead. For most of us while traveling we're eating out a fair amount. Maintaining weight or other health goals is probably more likely.
Let's take a moment to reflect on what vacation is all about. It's a time to relax and not worry about the stresses of daily life. Kick back, enjoy some family time, dip your toes in the ocean, breathe in the salty air. Or maybe your thing is golfing, fishing, surfing.... or going to your kid's hockey or baseball games. We all unwind differently. So, we don't want to set limits that stress us out. Being less stressed is good for our health!
Second, when we are in warmer weather climates, we tend to be more active. Not all of us are into winter sports, like skiing (both downhill and cross-country), snowshoeing, skating, even sledding is great exercise because you have to walk up the hill to enjoy the ride down. So, when we hit those warmer temps, we almost automatically go into summer mode and get outside walking, kayaking, hiking, pickleball, swimming, or at least splashing around in the pool - or waves, to name just a few.
Lastly, we have this bad tendency to be so hard on ourselves when we don't do as well as we think we should. It's one long weekend or one full week. It's not going to be end of your health journey if things don't go great. I usually find that people do better than they would have if they didn't have a plan at all. So, celebrate that win. Small wins add up to great gains.... and enjoy your time away.
I find that when people feel completely defeated, they will do one of two things. They feel embarrassed and won't put that extra bit of accountability on themselves again. Or, they are completely disgusted with themselves and seek out help. I have to say that I think the second option is the better one. We can't let fear, doubt and shame stop us from doing what we know is best for ourselves. Believe me, I've been there and struggle with this yet today. That is why my business is called InCourage - I am not doing things out of fear any longer, but I am forging forward in courage. I am only an email away, so if you need help, email me at incourage@incourage-health.com. If you want to get started and chat with me about next steps, complete this application, and I'll reach out to you to get a free consult scheduled.
2 Timothy 1:7 - for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
In Courage, Dani
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