It’s easy to feel a mix of reluctance and eagerness when thinking about returning to routine after a holiday.
This week, I touched down after a 3-week snow family holiday across the landscape of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. While this was in parts an active holiday (snowboarding and a handful of workouts here and there), it was very different to my typically meal prepped week, with very little processed food, treats or alcohol. But that is what holidays are for!!!
While I might not be at my peak fitness or health, the break has been so welcome! Travelling and spending precious time with family helped to put life back into perspective and temporarily disrupted my work/life balance to allow me the chance to reevaluate how I want this year to go down.Â
The Joy of Breaking Routine
Firstly, stepping away from the usual hustle and bustle is not just a break for the body but also for the brain! This holiday wasn’t just about snowboarding in my happy place or watching my children take their first confident slides on skis; it was a golden opportunity to bond with my family and immerse ourselves in a new culture. More than that, it allowed me to step back and view my business operations from a distance, helping me see where my team and I need to focus our energies next. This time off is invaluable—it helps recalibrate our intentions and renew our energies for the tasks ahead.
Sunday: The Day to Gear Up
I did not waste anytime in getting back to normal routine. I used time on the plane to plain out my meals, organise a grocery list and write my new program. Utilising Sunday effectively can set the tone for a successful week. For me, this means organising meal plans and arranging for food delivery. I ordered an online food delivery to arrive to our home within an hour of landing! Knowing what’s on the menu daily eliminates daily decision fatigue and helps me get back into the swing of work, school and life without the usual post-holiday stress.
Structured Training Program
As the owner of a strength and conditioning studio, I have the advantage of using our bespoke app to schedule personal training sessions, just like our clients. For the upcoming weeks, I’m following a structured program of four strength workouts and one sprint interval session. Having this schedule in place helps me jump back into training without missing a beat, providing structure and clear direction.
Mindset Matters
Returning a few kilos heavier from a holiday might be a common concern, but it’s essential to approach this with a healthy mindset. It’s natural for our bodies to fluctuate, especially after an indulgent break. The key is not to panic but to ease back into routine with a focus on consistency rather than immediacy. It’s not about undoing the “damage” but continuing the journey of health and fitness where your body might look and feel different at different seasons of life. What I did not do was get on the scales or start condemning my body. Instead, I focused back on my daily action and habits and reminded myself that I am only a few good workouts and meals away from feeling back in my body.
Final Thoughts
The return to routine can be as refreshing as the break itself if approached with the right mindset. Remember, it’s about balancing the scales of life—work, play, health, and rest—not just picking up where we left off, but integrating new experiences and insights gained from our time away. Whether it’s through meal planning, structured workouts, or maintaining a positive outlook on body image, the goal is to transition smoothly and sustainably. Let’s not view holidays as a break from progress but as an integral part of our overall journey to a fulfilled and balanced life.
Ange Drake is a personal trainer, women’s empowerment coach and fitness blogger in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. She is the director of one of the few womens’ only strength training gyms in Melbourne, 23W. Ange helps women to learn how to use strength based training, nutritional strategies and a positive mindset to transform their bodies, relationship with food and mind.
