I’m writing this mostly for myself. Why? Because if you read this you’ll hold me accountable… or at least that’s what I’m choosing to believe.
The next couple of weeks are very busy for me. Deadlines, Christmas events, and pretty much every kid in South Melbourne’s birthday party. Every free space seems to be taken up.
With a cluttered schedule can come a cluttered mind, and it can be harder to prioritise what is important to me.
And what’s important to me? My health, my family, my gym. Even though deadlines can occupy many of my thoughts, I try to not let them get in the way of the things that make me truly happy.
So, I’m sharing with you (and myself), what I’ll be doing to make this silly season as happy and productive as possible.
1. Book Your Classes Early and Often
Training during the silly season isn’t about waiting for free time to magically appear—it’s about protecting your training time before the chaos comes.
I’m pre-booking my sessions a week ahead. It removes the decision fatigue, locks in the commitment, and sets a clear non-negotiable in my calendar. (If you haven’t already, sync your WodBoard account with your google calendar)
When you treat your training like an appointment—not an afterthought—you’re far more likely to show up.
2. Really Prioritise Sleep
Sleep is always important, but during busy periods it becomes the difference between feeling like yourself and feeling like you’re held together with duct tape.
If you know you’ve got late nights ahead, be ruthless on the nights you can control. Aim for a consistent bedtime, even if it means leaving a Netflix episode unfinished. Your training quality, stress tolerance, and immune system will thank you.
3. Stick to Your Wellness Rituals (mine are sauna + cold exposure)
One thing that keeps me grounded when life gets busy is sticking to the small habits that restore me. For me, it’s my weekly sauna and ice bath at our recovery centre.
Your ritual might be a long walk, ten minutes of stretching, journaling, or simply having a slow morning coffee. These rituals act like an anchor—they give you just enough structure to not drift completely off course.
4. Keep Your Nutrition Tight
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to avoid every seasonal treat. But you can keep the foundations solid.
I’m making sure I’ve got high-protein meals prepped, snacks ready, and hydration checked. When nutrition is on point 80% of the time, the 20% of seasonal indulgence becomes part of a balanced life—not a spiral.
5. Let Go of Expectations, Keep Hold of Your Standards
If you come to the gym feeling 70%, that’s okay—just train at 70%.
CrossFit is built on scaling and consistency. Take down the load, shorten the reps, reduce intensity, and focus on movement quality. You’re still doing the work, just with a different intention behind it.
Final Thought: Make December Work For You, Not Against You
You don’t need to choose between enjoying the season and prioritising your health. With a bit of planning, some consistency, and realistic expectations, you can have both.
I’m right here doing it with you—full schedule, long list of commitments, and still protecting the things that keep me feeling strong, healthy, and grounded.
Let’s finish the year with momentum.
Coach Steve