Vacations are meant to be enjoyed - and sometimes they include exercise and eating healthy, while other times they don’t. Either way, it’s no secret that it can be a struggle to get back into routine after a few days, weeks, or even months off. 

The question is, why is it so hard to get back into routine after a holiday and what can you do to overcome it and get back? 

Time away typically comes with a more relaxed perspective - less responsibilities, less discipline, and at times, less care, more freedom, and less self discipline. Going back to the gym and getting back into routine can feel like a return to reality, and putting off returning to your regular routine of exercise and healthy eating can give you the illusion that you can extend your vacation and enjoy the freedom a little bit longer.

Also, if you were indulging in food and beverages that aren’t part of your normal routine, or in amounts and portions that were higher than usual, you might be feeling blah from the extra carbohydrates, desserts, sugary drinks, and fatty foods. Feeling blah leads to less motivation, making returning to the gym even harder. Plus, when you feel blah you’re more likely to crave the foods you overindulged on - making it more challenging to eat healthy and return to the gym despite feeling blah and wanting to feel better. 

So, if you can’t avoid the gym forever and you’re ready to feel better again; here are some of our top recommendations to get back into routine: 

1. Just do it. 

As Nike says… just do it. Don’t think about it… just go. You might drag your butt, but at least you’ll do it and feel better for doing something than doing nothing. Plus, once you get the first one out of the way, you’ll be more likely to keep up the routine. 

Fear being too “out of shape” after coming back from a holiday? 

Remind yourself that you won’t magically get in or feel in shape enough by waiting or delaying it any longer… You might feel out of shape today, but it’s much better than being much more out of shape in a few days, weeks, or months. 

2. Set a deadline. 

So maybe you’re not ready to head back to the gym quite yet… that’s okay. But, it’s crucial to set a deadline. After returning from a mission trip where I hadn’t exercised, ate far too much, and spent multiple days eating airport food and junk after a flight delay, I was feeling sluggish and unmotivated and not quite ready to return to the gym. I gave myself a week and a firm deadline and promise I would get back into the gym and nourishing my body again by the end of the week (without judgement - that’s key) and got back into it. When I did… I asked myself why I hadn’t returned sooner… I felt so much better - more energy, motivation, and I didn’t feel guilty for not going or letting myself down. 

If you can’t stand the thought of going back today, set a firm deadline and stick to it (no matter what) while allowing yourself a little guilt free grace. 

P.S. If you can’t bear to get back to the gym yet, at least tackle your nutrition. Taking the time to pick up fresh groceries and prepare some healthy foods like fruits and vegetables will help you to feel better, beat any post-vacation bloat, and inspire you to return to your healthier habits. 

3. Enlist Others. 

Sometimes the best thing we can do is invite others into our journey to keep us accountable. If you’re struggling to get back to the gym or into routine, ask a friend to pick you up for the gym, to get together to prepare a few meals, or just to keep you accountable - let them know when you plan on returning to the gym and have them check in to make sure you do. 

Often we don’t reach out for support because we don’t want others to know we aren’t able or are struggling to do it on our own. We are all human and have our ups and downs - don’t feel too ashamed to tell someone as the shame is often heavier if you don’t make it back to the gym and feel guilty, have gained unwanted pounds, and are still struggling. Find friends or family you can trust and let into your journey and support one another as you help each other stay motivated and accountable. 

4. Stop the Self Sabotage 

Internally, deep down, you may feel guilty for going on vacation, for indulging on your vacation, or for any other hundreds of thousands of possible reasons we as humans subconsciously sabotage ourselves. If you find yourself unable to return to the gym from shame (I overate, it’s been too long), fear (what if I can’t keep up? What if people noticed I gained a few pounds? What if I am judged?) or avoidance (I enjoyed my freedom of eating anything and not exercising… I am not ready to face reality) know that these are simply emotions and that you don’t have to listen or succumb to them. At the end of the day your emotions will lead you astray but your convictions will lead you to success. 

Give yourself a short window for a break if needed, set a firm deadline, get others to hold you accountable or encourage your return back to healthy routines, and get going. 

The worst thing you can do is stay away for too long - remember why you started, how good you feel when you exercise and eat well, and fight your feelings as you head back to the gym and feel just as great as you did before your holiday (after all, you can have a ‘holiday body’ all year long!). 

P.S. Needing some support or accountability returning to the gym? Our coaches are here to check in with you to ensure you stay accountable to your goals and resist the temptation to give up after a vacation, time off, or stressful stage of life. Do you have a hard time returning to the gym after holidays or a few days or weeks off? Let us know by clicking here - we’d love to help hold you accountable to your goals and routine!