Hey Reader! I know that everyone is saying this, but I can't believe that Christmas is in a few weeks!

For many of us the holidays can provide a lot of distractions away from our usual routines. Late night parties, treats at the office, colder weather, and family obligations to name a few.

Were the holidays always this "busy" for people? Maybe I am just noticing it more, but it seems that more often than not the holidays have people running crazy from one activity to the next.

My introverted self just can't handle it, so I have learned a few tricks to making the holidays less stressful and less "busy."

Here are my top 5 tips:

1. Say NO to things that you are not excited about.
2. Schedule your workouts and time for yourself just like you would any other activity or appointment.
3. Buy less gifts for people. If someone is gonna be disappointed that you didn't buy them a gift, then they are likely not someone you want to associate with anyways.
4. Plan ahead. If you are going to a party where there will be a lot of tempting foods, get a game plan together. Maybe you allow yourself one plate of food or you schedule a workout beforehand. Whatever works for you.
5. Schedule active meet ups with friends and family. Instead of meeting for drinks or dinner, schedule a fun activity like skiing or walking around town to look at the lights.

Things I’m Loving This Week:

🎁 Recipe: My Carrot Cake Baked Oats are perfect for fueling those busy mornings. 🎄

Activity: Strength training. I just started a new strength training program. It feels good to change things up and challenge myself.

📚 Listen: Dr. Kelly Starrett on the Huberman Lab Podcast. Great episode on mobility, strength and overall health and longevity.

What’s your favorite way to stay active during the holidays? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for taking the time to read this email, I really appreciate it. Feel free to share this with a friend or family member whom you feel would benefit.

Have a great week!

Courtney