Fringe Musings: Holiday

12.2.16

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

1.1.16

New Year's Resolutions I've Already Broken

1. Be Healthy

This one is really unique (!). Let’s face it, most of us probably have some intention of being healthier, becoming more fit, eating more vegetables (yuck), eating fewer pizzas (yum), etc. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the fact that I am currently eating my way through a tin of cookies, and indulged in a greasy hangover-curing breakfast, I’ve already failed at this one.

2. Drink More Water

I really struggle with this one. I don’t know why, but I really hate drinking water. The only reason I haven’t passed out from dehydration (recently) is the obscene quantity of tea that I consume regularly. However, I do notice a major difference in my skin and overall health when I make a point to drink actual water. This one is cheating a little bit, because I’ve not completely failed at drinking water, but that can be attributed solely to the hangover I’ve spent all day trying to cure.

3. Cut Back on Sugar Intake

Yes, this needs to be a category separate from #1 as my chocolate love and general addiction to sugar is a real and serious problem for me (and maybe for the world). You can, however, refer back to number 1 for evidence of this particular failure.

4. Consistently Write High Quality Content for Fringe Musings

Based on how this current post is going, I don’t think I need to explain how I’ve not managed to succeed with this resolution thus far.

5. Rediscover Reading

Up until I started grad school I always had my nose stuck in a book. For some reason (perhaps the soul-crushing stress of graduate school?) I’ve lost the desire to read as consistently since starting my PhD, and I hate it. I’ve noticed that whenever I do have time off I rediscover my reading obsession, but I certainly find it easier to binge-watch TV after a long day rather than read a good book. In 2016 I want to make a conscious effort to change this, and get back to a pastime that has been an important part of the majority of my life. All that being said, I haven’t read anything today…but the day isn’t over, so I won’t say I’ve completely failed at this resolution yet.

In the end, we are only one day into 2016, and one day won’t make or break any resolution (unless your resolution is to do something every single day in 2016, but why would anyone ever make such a resolution…).

Bonus: I have also resolved to spend less money in 2016, which I have achieved by not having the strength to leave the house today. So there’s that, I can accomplish something after all!

20.12.15

Healthy Holiday Tips

It's that time of year again. The holiday festivities are underway, and with them come plenty of cookies, chocolates, cakes…you name it. It can be difficult to stay on track health-wise during the holidays, as we're met with endless temptation (personally I've enjoyed almost an entire tin of Quality Street to myself) that we justify by an "it's Christmas!" mentality. While it is important to enjoy the holiday season and all the delicious food that comes along with it, there are ways to avoid that post-Christmas slump where you realize you've gained 10 pounds and thus frantically purchase 4 gym memberships and go on a juice cleanse to try to counteract what you've done. I was thinking about this (after finishing my second box of holiday biscuits) and I decided to compile some tips to avoid the guilt come January.

1. Practice Patience

The weeks leading up to the holidays can be tempting (as evidenced by the empty chocolate wrappers in my trash). As we are putting up Christmas trees or decorating the house, we might feel compelled to indulge in some holiday baking. While it’s perfectly ok to satisfy your sweet tooth from time to time, engaging in holiday snacking too early on can easily lead to a month-long binge. If you know that over the holidays you’ll be tempted by sweets and treats at parties and dinners, avoid adding to this by cracking open that box of holiday goodies in the first week of December.

2. Avoid Avoidance

Picture this: you’re at your work Christmas party, carefully steering clear of that table filled with home-baked cookies and cakes and you’ve made it through the night…only to head home and binge-eat the next 4 days of advent chocolates. As is with most things in life, moderation is key. Enjoying a tasty treat at a holiday party won’t ruin you, and if you’re anything like me, avoiding delicious food all day often leads to a night of eating Nutella straight from the jar. Don’t be afraid to enjoy a little bit.

3. Get Outside

While it can be hard to make it to the gym during the holidays, there are still plenty of ways to stay active. When spending time with family or friends, suggest an activity that doesn’t limit movement to getting up for another glass of wine (I REALLY wish that counted). Depending on the climate, a winter walk, or even offering to shovel snow, can get you up and moving over the break.

4. Rest and Relaxation

This one sounds easy, but it is increasingly difficult to find time to ourselves over the holiday season. It can be hard to make healthy choices when you’re frantically wrapping presents and hosting parties like a madwoman (or madman). However, it can be beneficial to take some time out of your day to relax and let go of the holiday stress. Even five peaceful minutes can make a huge difference in your mindset, and this can aid in making positive choices later on. Even better, if you can manage to get away for a run or sneak off to a yoga class, you'll not only calm your busy mind, but also get in some exercise.

5. Limit Hot Chocolate Intake

This one is really hard for me. With the rise of Starbucks and other coffee houses offering decadent desserts in drink form, so does rise the number on the scale come the new year. Many of these enticing holiday drinks offer as many calories as a hefty piece of cake, and yet somehow we (I?) feel like they "don't count". Avoiding the daily hot chocolates and mochas over the holidays can really help cut back, and allow you to enjoy those delicious homemade cookies later on.

Now I just have to take my own advice...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!