My number one, and most important, Fitness Takeaway for 2015 is:

Mental Health

Mental health is just as, if not more, important than our physical health. I was very open a few months back about my own struggles and battles with mental health (click here for a refresher), and I was overwhelmed by how many of you took time to share your own personal battles with depression and anxiety. It became very clear to me at that point that this is something that not only needs to be talked about more but it is something that people want to talk about more. We want to know that we are not struggling alone, we want to hear how others around us cope, and we need the support of those closest to us.

Our mental health is never going to be perfect and most of us, at some point, will struggle with some sort of mental health issue. We may never rid ourselves completely of anxiety or depression (or other forms of mental illness) but the more we talk about it and the more we learn about it, the easier it will be for us to understand it and erase its stigma.

So for 2016, let’s keep the conversation going. If you know someone who is struggling, be an ear for them to talk to and if you are someone who is struggling, talk to someone who you trust. If you don’t have someone in your life that you trust, considering reaching out to the many resources that are available. We don’t have to suffer alone. 

My last tip on how to survive the holiday season is just enjoy it. This is a time we spend with those most important to us and these are the times you indulge. These are the times where you have one glass of wine too many while laughing with family around the dinner table or you have the second helping of your mom’s famous mashed potatoes or you grab one extra short bread cookie for dessert. These are the calories that are worth it. 

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you and thank you so much for trusting me to guide you on living the best, and healthiest, life as possible. I wish you the best in 2016 and keep your questions coming. Let’s kick some serious ass next year!

Click here for #2 and the previous posts from this series.