It’s that time of the year when your taste buds tango with sweets, and your yoga mat mysteriously vanishes beneath a pile of gifts. The temptation of sumptuous feasts, late-night parties, and irresistible treats can make even the most dedicated fitness enthusiast reconsider their commitment. But before you trade those dumbbells for doughnuts and lunges for laddoos, take a long, hard look at these common fitness mistakes that come with the festive season. We spoke to an expert to seek advice on how to avoid these blunders and not lose sight of your fitness goals while celebrating the festivities.
Mistake #1: Taking a “short break” from your workout routine
The devil on your shoulder may innocently suggest that a few days off from the gym won’t make a huge difference to your fitness. But the truth is, these “short breaks” can quickly evolve into long vacations from fitness, making it harder to bounce back. According to Gauthaman Ramesh, Fitness Expert, cult.fit, the mindset of pausing your fitness journey until after the festivities is a significant reason for deviating from a healthy lifestyle.
Diwali is no reason to bail on your sweat sessions. Instead, consider incorporating quick, effective workouts into your busy schedule, and who knows, you might just end up having a healthier, more vibrant festive season. “Aim for 10k steps or do a quick home workout for 15-20 minutes,” suggests Ramesh. According to him, it also helps to schedule your workouts—earmark a time in your calendar and make sure you stick to it.
Mistake #2: Drowning in delights
This one is a classic—overindulging without a hint of guilt. But is that extra serving of jalebis really worth all the blood, sweat, and tears you have spent achieving your workout goals over the last few months? While it’s perfectly okay to savour your favourite Diwali treats, it’s essential to practise moderation. “Practise portion control, refrain from second servings, and consider having a quick salad or protein shake before a festive meal or party,” says Ramesh, adding that these strategies can help strike a healthy balance.
Mistake #3: Going on a booze binge
Whether it’s the lure of that extra peg of whiskey or a seemingly endless round of shots, the line between merriment and mayhem can blur faster than fairy lights on Diwali night. But the hangover isn’t the only aftermath—excessive drinking can disrupt your fitness journey, dehydrate your body, and lead to a lack of self-control when it comes to festive treats. If you can’t skip alcohol completely, try your best to limit your alcohol intake to 1 or 2 drinks. “Do not mix them with other calorie-rich beverages and make sure you avoid drinking on an empty stomach as well,” says Ramesh. You can also opt for low-calorie drinks such as wine or non-alcoholic beverages such as jaljeera.
Mistake #4: Sacrificing your sleep
In the midst of the social gatherings and late-night parties, it’s all too easy to let your sleep schedule go haywire. Many of us compromise on our hours of rest, thinking we can make up for it later. But sleep, my friends, is no switch you can flip on and off. Sacrificing those crucial hours can wreak havoc on your overall well-being. It leaves you fatigued, disrupts your metabolism, and makes you more likely to reach for that extra serving of sweets to stay awake. According to Ramesh, you should try waking up early during the festive season to align your sleep cycle. “Power Naps are also a great way of catching up on lost sleep. Quick 30 min naps can go a long way,” he adds.
