Winter Health Reset

Well, it's undeniable now - winter has arrived in full force in the Pacific Northwest.

The weather forecasts were right on the mark, predicting the arrival of cooler temperatures and shorter days, even if we're still waiting for that picturesque blanket of snow. There's a unique charm to this time of year, as we anticipate the holiday season, though the scenery hasn't yet transformed into a winter wonderland.

But here's a snag in this wintry arrival: staying healthy and fit becomes a bit more challenging. Those cold, dark mornings often invite the temptation to stay snuggled under the covers rather than embracing an invigorating morning workout.

That's exactly why now is the perfect time for a Winter Health Reset! It's an opportunity to reevaluate and adjust your routine, finding, innovative ways to stay active and healthy.

You can do it: Crisp mornings, frosty windows, and bundling up to get outside to either drive to the gym or go for a run. It's work, but it's worth it. Putting in the work now is easier than trying to lose the winter weight after the first thaw!

Now is the time to reset your health. You will feel better during the long dark days, you can enjoy the special foods a little more, and the momentum will carry you into the new year.

It is all about showing up:

• Show up to the gym. Since you are there, you may as well go in and workout.
• Show up to the table. It’s ok to occasionally take a small piece of your favorite treat to go with the carrots.
• Show up at bedtime. One small change now can be a habit that promotes a year of exceptional sleep.
• Show up now and you will thank yourself later.

My friend, let me ask you a question:

Is there an area of your life right now where you need to show up?

I asked you, my special Success community, what is the biggest challenge you are facing? Your top response to the survey was:

Staying healthy and fit is my biggest challenge.

I get it. Turkey dinner, chocolate torte, champaign. All the fun cookies from friends and family. It's hard to stay healthy and fit. Especially this time of year.

Do you know I used to throw my healthy habits aside for the holidays and would eat whatever people placed in front of me? I felt obligated. They worked hard to make me the special meal or treat. Others would bring in ‘their grandmother’s secret recipe’ for the holiday potluck (Ukrainian or Filipino pastries were some of the hardest to resist).

And of course, there was my own Grandmother’s decadent made from scratch cinnamon rolls she would design into a beautiful tea ring for my birthday each year. Then I wondered why my stomach was upset or couldn't sleep. My body was not used to the rich, decadent treats.

Exercise was always on the schedule however it seemed that by the time I finished with work I barely had time to get the kids to the dance recital, game, and then scurry off to a Christmas party. There was never enough time. Though I cared about staying fit and healthy, it was hard to stay consistent.

And sleep, there will be time for that later…

Maybe, this is where you are too.

If staying healthy and fit is a challenge for you right now, stay tuned to this next blog series – Winter Health Reset, where I will address the areas where you (like me) probably find yourself getting stuck.

Here are the topics we are going to cover in the coming weeks:

1. Nutrition Reset. You will learn healthy food habits and seven simple techniques to give yourself a fresh start in this critical area.
2. Fitness Reset. You will learn five easy strategies to get yourself in a consistent workout routine that fits in your busy schedule.
3. Sleep Reset. You will learn just how foundational a good night’s sleep is to the rest of your health and how to incorporate a simple evening success ritual for better sleep.

So - let’s get started with just one piece of homework this week:

What health goal (and I know you set some at the beginning of this year) do you need to Reset? What is one thing you can do this next week to move it in the right direction?

Fill in the blank.

This week I will ____________________.

Whether you feel your health and fitness is an area where you need a tune up or a complete overhaul, get ready to take charge and create some new health habits to increase your energy, improve your focus, and feel like a new you!