How To Overcome The Holidays and The Winter
It’s that time of the year, with December Celebrations coming up we (especially me) just want to hibernate for the winter and wake up for longer days and warmer weather.
In that spirit I thought I’d write a post for the average joe who just loves BJJ and wants to get through the winter without adding too much weight and keep themselves improving and moving forward.
Damage limitation
I like to indulge in everything I do, I overeat, over drink, overtrain, and over anything I do. To avoid too much damage to my training and body I use the keep going method. If I can get up in the morning and still make it to training, it’s a win! I won’t necessarily be on top form but I believe that even tired and stricken by the misery of too many drinks the night before, I train my mind to get stronger and even though that day might feel like I’m losing long term the mental strength will give me the edge later on.
Having said that, having days off is a good idea. Try and avoid the extra carbs, drink red wine instead of beer, avoid the seconds on the roast potatoes (this one is hard). Small wins add up and feeling not so dead is a great feeling in itself.
Whatever you do, do not stop training. This rule will carry you through to the next year. You won’t come back and lie to yourself about feeling fresh then go super hard and realise your body is no longer the machine you thought it was from the year before.
Find Other Ways to Train When The Gyms Are Closed
Like I said above just keep going. Do push ups, sit ups and body weight squats. Just do something. I once completed a kettle bell challenge on Christmas Day. Just do something.
Train with your family, if talking about BJJ endlessly isn’t enough. Rope your family or friends into being unwilling training partners, of course this may not go as well as planned, but hey it’s the thought that counts and they might be surprised at how much they love.
Wave is never really closed, so if you and a mate want to train, just ask us and we can sneak you in :)
Enjoy The Holidays
You know what? At the end of the day, we all do our best and whatever else you do, remember to enjoy the holidays. I know this is not popular as people feel the pressures of all the parties, family events and all the end of year work that suddenly appears. Remember you feel this because you are a nice person who doesn’t want to let anyone down and you are doing your best. Also remember you are doing your best for you too so just enjoy the ride and squeeze in those small wins for training when you can.
Whatever you do to get through the Holidays remember we are all in this together. If you are alone for Christmas, please send us a message and we can organise a meet up or just get you in to train or grab a coffee. Be well and we hope to see you in the New Year.