It can be tough to get to your usual after-work gym time in during the holidays. Between shopping for gifts, preparing for guests, and attending all those holiday parties, there isn’t much time for staying active after work. Here’s how to rise and shine and start your day with morning workouts this holiday season!

Sleep Well

This might go without saying, but if you're planning to get in an early morning workout and then have a productive day, you’ll need to rest up. Try to get ready for bed earlier when you're planning to workout in the morning. Looking at phone and computer screens before bed can make it harder to fall asleep, so do your best to turn off your devices one hour before bed.

Plan it Out

Getting out of bed when it’s still dark is tough enough, but making a plan takes one major barrier out of the equation: decisions. Don’t leave it up to your early morning brain to decide what you’re going to do. Making a schedule for the day or week ahead of time accomplishes two things: First, you’re motivation may be lower first thing in the morning, but if you’ve already laid out your workout plans and goals, all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other towards them. Second, it will help you fit your workouts in among all of the fun holiday events you may have planned.  Make it easy on yourself by packing your gym bag, laying out your clothes, and putting your sneakers by the door the night before. Fuel up before or after you lace up with something easy like overnight oats, like Pumpkin Overnight Proats. Planning to meet a gym buddy before work might be all you need to motivate yourself in the morning. If you have already prepared everything you need to have a great workout, getting out of bed and to the gym will be a lot easier.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is good advice any time of the year, but especially when you want to feel your best in the morning. Try to drink 8 glasses of water a day, or more if you have a tough workout. Staying hydrated while working out in the cold is just as important as it is when it is hot and sunny. Even though you might not feel as sweaty, working out under all those extra layers can increase fluid loss during workouts. Not drinking enough water can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and headaches, which are no fun during the holiday season!

Eat Smart

It’s important to eat well throughout the day to keep your energy up. Eating protein rich snacks and meals can help you feel satiated for longer, build lean muscle, and manage your weight. If you find it difficult to eat enough protein throughout the day, try adding a protein bar or protein shake for post-workout recovery or pre-workout energy. This healthy recipe, Curried Carrot Cleansing Soup, is a delicious way to add more protein to your diet.

Choose Your Favorite Workouts

If you are not a morning person, waking up before the sun is tough enough. Don’t punish yourself with a workout routine that you hate. Plan your favorite workouts for the morning.  If you can’t see yourself getting out of bed to go for a run outside, try doing yoga or bodyweight exercises in your living room. Or, if you would rather workout outside of your home, schedule an early morning spin class or gym session before work. The best part about a spin class is that someone else is doing the motivating for you.   With a little planning, morning workouts don’t have to feel impossible. You might even find that waking up early for a little “me” time before all of the holiday events begin can help you feel a little more in control of your day. For us, that’s the best part.   What’s your favorite morning workout?