It doesn’t matter the sport. They all have rivalries. Football…Alabama vs Auburn. Basketball…Duke vs North Carolina. Softball…Arizona vs UCLA. We all have that foe that we love to beat and hate to lose to. Our health habits have a foe as well, the holidays. As I wrote in my article “Finally Beat Your Rival…The Holidays!,” there are a few ways to beat the holidays. Here are a few more tips to help you be victorious this holiday season.
What Does Victory Look Like
In all sporting events, winning is the goal. But within the game, there are small victories and defeats. In football, coaches look at each player’s performance on each play. Statistical categories are looked at. With regards to your health, it is important that you set goals that you can live with. Goals that if attained give you a sense of victory. Examples include a set number of weekly exercise sessions or maintaining your weight throughout the holidays. Goal setting is the best way to gauge true success. Just make sure your goals are specific and measurable.
Enjoy the Traditions More
Rivalries bring out a lot of emotion. We love the chance to beat our rival, but we dread losing the game. Unfortunately, our disdain of the rival limits us from soaking in the qualities of our opponent that really adds to the event. Take the time to enjoy the traditions of the season. Dress up for Halloween in the office or with the kids. Offer to cook a dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Don’t let the stress of the holidays outweigh the family fun and traditions that are most enjoyable. Appreciate them for what they are, a designated time to enjoy the company of your family and friends.
Focus on Catching Your Z’s
Rivalry week is a long week. Events are plentiful. There is a pep rally. There are concerts. There are organizations parties. There are school spirit competitions. This makes for some long days and nights. The holiday season is equally as taxing. There is Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. During this time, you need to stay on your regular sleep pattern. Sleep is important to overall health. It is the time when your body is restored of energy supplies. A great way to get your sleep hours is to set a sleep time. This can be done by using your smartphone. Just make sure you stick to it.
The holidays, like our rivalry games, are special. This year minimize the stress by setting small goals so you know what beating the holidays will look like, appreciate the traditions of each holiday by getting more involved, and stay on your regular sleep pattern as much as possible. You will think later.