How to Have Yourself A #Formula Holiday

#TheFormula represents a lifestyle of wellness and self-care that is equally abundant in enjoyment. Realistic yet aspirational, #TheFormula is a reminder to all of us that a health and wellness routine should enhance your life, not take away, which requires a degree of flexibility.

Rigidity in “healthy” habits or “positive” behaviors may actually set us up for depletion. Balancing these with other activities that bring us joy, such as nights out with friends or an indulgent dessert, may in fact facilitate a healthier relationship to wellness.  

Let’s break past the labels of good and bad, and instead consider what is truly serving us. Your pilates can be followed by an evening out with the girls and a margarita (or two). Your nutrient-dense & high protein diet deserves room for the tiramisu. Your busiest work day deserves an intermission of a 15-minute movement or stretch. You do have time for that meditation.

You can do both, sustainably. As we exercise the choice for balance, day after day, we ascend to a lifestyle where flexibility is the reflex, and wellness comes with ease. 

The Holiday Mindset

It’s a season of indulgence. Lean into it, and give yourself grace. You can always balance out the Bailey’s, mulled wine and sweets with a good sweat.

As much as this season is a joyous time of year, it can also be one of the toughest. Your mental health deserves to be prioritized as much as your physical health. It’s as simple as knowing when it’s time to recharge your batteries amid an overpacked schedule or letting go of the guilt that comes with saying “yes” to your festive favorites. And as much as we all love quality family time, make sure to account for the emotional tax that may come with it.

When you’ve dodged enough questions about your dating life, here’s a list of questions to ask yourself as a check-in:

• What emotions are coming up right now?

• What can I do for myself right now? 

• What would restore my energy? 

• How will I add movement to my day?

• When and with whom do I feel most supported? 

• How can I connect to those I feel distant from?

• Have I nourished my body today?

• Wait.. how many glasses of wine was that?

A Season For Travel

’Tis the season for holiday travel. You’re writing your packing list, and checking it twice. While you’re at it…

• Plan your workout and rest days ahead of time in conjunction with your travel itinerary.

• Scope out local studios to get a class in, hit the hotel gym, or save videos for at-home workouts

• Electrolytes! Replenish and rehydrate.

• Get your 10K steps in a day, especially on days you’re flying to avoid water retention

• Pack your vitamins and supplements to start your day off as you normally would. Your body will thank you later.

• Remind yourself that memories with friends and family are forever cherished, don't spend the whole trip at war with yourself.

• Know that a break in routine is positive, fostering motivation and appreciation upon your return.

Fostering #Formula Friendships

The behaviors we adopt are one thing, but who we surround ourselves with matters just as much. As we often may hear, we are a product of our environment, so putting ourselves in scenarios that encourage positive decision-making sets us up for success.

The two of us first met at Equinox, and little did we know at the time, that we would build a relationship that encouraged one another to pursue our personal health, wellness, and business goals. Better yet, we would support one another in enjoying the journey along the way. In life, we may not come across these friendships often, but they exist, and they are extraordinary. Taking a moment of gratitude for the amazing friendships in my own life had me reflect on the qualities of a #Formula friendship;

• Accountable, yet understanding

• Encouraging, yet honest

• Spirited, yet mindful

• Optimistic, yet realistic

The holidays especially can feel like a lonely time, so let's build a #Formula family to remind us that we're never alone. It all begins with the little things; one of our favorite things is sharing wellness wins with one another with a quick text or photo. Not only is this inspiring, but holds us both accountable when we have someone to share the highs (or even the lows) with. Now, every time we search #TheFormula in our text threads, we're flooded with countless special glimmer moments where we prioritized balance, together.

#TheFormula: a modern approach to a life well-balanced.

The balancing act always starts with two ends of the scale. The idea that you’ll start your day with an 8 am strength training session and celebrate your new PR with Sotto Sotto’s lasagna. The idea that hard work is pleasurable. Toggle on both ends and eventually, with consistency, you’ll land somewhere in the middle. It starts with eating whole foods that nourish you, tailoring a routine to suit you, and making time for friendships that uplift you. Before you know it, it’s become your lifestyle.

#TheFormula IRL

In the spirit of bringing #TheFormula digital concept into real-life moments, we will be hosting a toast to the collaboration, the holidays, and bridging the gap between social and wellness priorities. We invite everyone to join us on Saturday, Dec 16 at Axe + Hatchet in Yorkville from 4-6 PM, to celebrate the fact that we can do both.

#TheFormula is a lifestyle brand co-created and founded by Krystal Sarna and Maddy Epps, and this blog post is a co-authored project under #TheFormula concept.