As we approach the year-end, holiday parties and charity galas can often lead to a buffet of temptations for entrepreneurs and business professionals alike. Navigating holiday feasts without compromising our waistline or wellness goals becomes a unique challenge. Here are some tailored strategies to ensure that decision-makers stay sharp, physically and mentally, throughout the holiday:
Balance over Total Avoidance
Strategic indulgence for networking: One frequent challenge in business settings is the “avoid or binge” mentality. Steering clear of all treats can make a person feel out of place in networking scenarios, while uninhibited indulgence might lead to regrets. The key? Strategic moderation. Choose treats wisely, especially when they become conversation starters. Remember, the holiday season in the business world is as much about forging connections as it is about celebrations. This means using food and drink as tools to facilitate discussions, not as the primary focus.
Targeted Celebrations, Not Continuous Festivities
Mark the business calendar: While Thanksgiving and Christmas are pivotal, there are often multiple parties and events stretching across the entire season in the corporate world. A good strategy is to pick indulgence days based on event importance, and maintain nutrition and exercise habits around them. One lavish corporate gala won’t hamper our health; continuous excess might. This is a time to emphasize the networking and opportunities these events provide, with food being the proverbial icing on the cake.
Incorporate Active Breaks in Busy Schedules
The end-of-year rush is real, but so is the need for effective breaks. Integrating movement into our day can elevate mood, focus and overall productivity. Here’s how:
Lunchtime strolls: Amidst back-to-back meetings and tight schedules, a walk post-lunch can be physically and mentally refreshing. This is a great time for clearing thoughts, planning, or even having informal “meetings” with colleagues.
Quick cardio sessions: No need for long gym hours. Short, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, even 15 minutes, two to three times a week, can boost energy levels and keep a person sharp for those critical end-of-year decisions.
Strength training breaks: While resistance equipment is best, utilizing resistance bands or simple body-weight exercises during breaks can be just the stimulus a person needs. These sessions can act as a physical and mental reset, support lean muscle tissue and better blood sugar regulation, burn calories, and help a person stay sane through year-end demands.
Navigating the holiday season as a business professional requires a blend of health consciousness and strategic indulgence. Adopting a balanced approach ensures we can remain at the top of our game physically and mentally, and positions us to take full advantage of the opportunities on display. Welcome the New Year poised, fit and ready to tackle new personal and professional opportunities.
Ben Brown is owner of Body Systems, an online nutrition and fitness consulting business specializing in designing individualized nutrition, lifestyle and strength training programs for highly driven men and women worldwide. The company helps more than 1,100 clients in 26 different countries and has a growing team currently at four expert coaches.
