It’s almost here – the most challenging month of all when it comes to healthy living – December! Amid insanely busy schedules and countless holiday parties and all those cookies, scores of otherwise healthy women are throwing their hands up in surrender. It’s so easy to write off this month and allow yourself to abandon healthy habits you’ve worked all year to build. Don’t do it.

Instead, decide which rituals you’ll commit to maintaining throughout December. Choose the ones that make you feel terrific and when the going gets tough, remind yourself that keeping up with these practices is a TREAT to your deserving body and soul. You don’t have to do everything on the list below; just use it to help you decide – what will you do for yourself this December that will help you arrive at January 1st feeling one step ahead of the game?

Healthy December Habits:

– 7+ hours of sleep each night

– Breakfast

– Vitamins

– Water, and lots of it

– Fruits and/or vegetables at every meal

– Strength training (even more important than cardio!)

– Your skin care regimen (stress, alcohol and lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your skin!)

– Yoga or stretching

– Meditation or prayer time

– Breathing exercises (like the ones Dr. Stevenson recommended in last month’s newsletter)

– Phone time with a close friend or relative every day

– Herbal tea as an afternoon or evening relaxation ritual

What will you choose? Tell me in comments and hold yourself accountable…you’ll be so glad you did!

as originally published in CincyChic

This morning I woke up early to work out in the small gym we built in our basement a number of years ago. All three of the children and my husband were fast asleep upstairs and I was close enough to hear them if anyone woke up and needed me, but far enough away to focus on my workout. It made me think about how valuable it’s been to have that space to work out in my home. Truth be told, I’d prefer to run outside with my girlfriends or to head to the yoga studio for a class taught by someone other than my DVD player, but many days, our home gym is my safest bet to ensure I get in a workout at all.

Does your home support your healthy living goals? To answer “yes” you don’t have to have a treadmill in your basement. I’m simply asking if you’ve set up your home to support the lifestyle you want to achieve. Here are a few areas you might want to consider:

Kitchen

If you intend to cook some meals at home, it’s important that your kitchen is set up to support you! Is your pantry well stocked with healthy ingredients? Is your refrigerator brimming with fresh produce and free from expired items? Do you have the right cooking tools? Are your appliances clean and in working order? Taking care of these basics will make it feel less daunting when you decide it’s time to channel your inner Martha!

Eating Area

Once you’ve prepared a healthy and delicious meal, it would be a shame to eat it while standing up at the counter! Have you kept the table clear of clutter? Do you have linens, tableware and silverware that make you happy? Are there enough chairs for everyone who will be at the table? Investing a few dollars in table accessories that make you smile will be well worth it when you are motivated to eat at home more often.

Workout Corner

Home gyms are terrific, but you don’t have to go all out to make this idea work. Can you keep a yoga mat and exercise ball in a designated workout corner with some workout plans you’ve cut out of SELF magazine?  Some people have great success keeping them near the TV so that they can get in some exercise while catching up on The Bachelor. Also, keep your workout clothes in one drawer so it’s easy to get dressed when it’s time to exercise. If you’re digging through laundry baskets looking for a clean sports bra you are far less likely to work out!

Quiet Zone

Your healthy living intentions probably go beyond diet and exercise to include some form of relaxation or meditation. Can you set up a peaceful corner where you can retreat for those moments of calm? I have a favorite chair in a sunny corner where I can steal a few minutes to sit and think or to read something for inspiration. Carve out a space that’s just for you and cherish it!

Following a few of these suggestions will help you bring your home in line with your healthy living aspirations. Instead of battling with your surroundings, you’ll wake up each day knowing your home has been set up to support you, which is exactly what it should do!