Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Only one creature was stirring, because you didn’t hit your protein goal again.
Hey team,
With the hibernal solstice occurring just a few days ago, we walk into the heart of winter. Days are short, nights are long and you may find yourself slowing down both physically and mentally.
Acknowledge it, then embrace it.
The initial response to the annual freeze is to forge through, resisting the urge to rest more and do less. Today’s world loves nothing more than promoting year round productivity insisting that stopping equates to stagnation. This concept couldn’t be further from the truth.
It’s up to each of us to punch the notion of hustle culture in the nose and focus most on what both our body and mind needs at this time. If you’ve been keeping up with these letters, you already know how crucial rest is for the long run.
It’s natural to feel less inclined to chase after audacious goals for the next several months. And while the suggestion certainly isn’t throwing programming out the window and eating Aunt Lisa’s snickerdoodles for the next two weeks, it is a suggestion to take things down a notch. You’ve earned it.
That could look like less running and more walking or lower weights and higher reps. Maybe you learn to master your bodyweight in planes of motion you wouldn’t traditionally train within your strength program. Perhaps it’s time to test out yoga to increase core strength and mobility that can transfer into heavier lifts.
You get the point.
We love to say “life is short,” but when you’re taking care of your mind, body and soul, it can be a long journey. Take the seasons as they come and remember that expecting to feel and perform your best every month of the year isn't attainable.
So for now- rest, recover, reflect. Write down your goals; it makes them real! Share them with the people you care about, including Aunt Lisa. Speak them into existence. Make a plan.
Goals don’t mean much when you don’t have people in your life to share the outcomes with.
Find your people, chase your wins.
Happy Holidays from all of us here at Bodybuilding.com.
Until next week. 👋
Danielle Bitts
VP of Brand, Bodybuilding.com
