Why I Needed a Recovery Resolution Jan 1-21 and How It Helped

Recovery Resolution Was a Winner!
Feeling Much Better Going into February

For the first time in my life, I went into the new year with a clear focus to do less, breathe more, sleep better, and just recover from the end-of-the-year personal, business, social, and medical stresses.  Life is stressful. Acknowledging it is critical to your performance and health. My "New Year's Resolution" this year was to actively pursue recovery, and here is why it mattered.

After Thanksgiving, the Army-Navy Game, my dog died, Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, travel, another family function, and a feast at the house, I was done. I had fun, but I was done. I was still working out hard, sleeping less, eating too many snacks and party foods, and everyone around me was stressed (higher traffic / crowded stores), and I felt like I was burning out.  

energy drink instead of coffee cup

So, guess what happened in January?  Life did not stop getting more stressful.

In fact, it got even more stressful. I found out my business is getting audited by the State of Maryland (sales tax). The snow/ice storm of the decade hit us with a foot of snow and ice, and we had 10 days straight of below-freezing temperatures. Tax records are due to my accountant. All while still taking care of my Dad after his stroke. BUT - it did not break me. Not even close. 

The easier workouts, good food, better sleep, a short nap, and focused breathing helped me handle these new "stresses" with a relaxed mindset, rather than letting them be the straw that broke the camel's back. I seriously think I would have cracked if I did not have a little bit of balanced recovery in my life the first few weeks of January. 

Moral of this story:  Life never stops getting stressful. You just have to be better at handling it. Don't let your recovery slip. When you need a break, take a break. This does not mean stop living your life, it just means make easier and better decisions that de-stress you, rather than add stress. A Mobility Day and System's Check workout method was my go-to plan over the first three weeks of January.

Transform Your Goals, Overcome Challenges, and 
Build Unbreakable Resilience 

OPTIONS: Book, eBook, Audio Book, and Video Training Course

Discover The Never Quit Mindset by Stew Smith—a transformative personal development resource designed for motivated individuals seeking to break through barriers and achieve lasting success. Whether you're striving for excellence in your career, health, or personal life, this guide provides the tools to develop the discipline needed to conquer obstacles and fulfill your potential.

There is More To StewSmithFitness.com than You May Know

Dive deeper into the world of Tactical Athlete training and mental toughness by exploring Stew Smith Fitness Programming for the Tactical Athlete online store. Uncover the strategies and techniques used by elite forces to push past physical and mental barriers. Visit StewSmithFitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success in many special ops-level selection programs in the military and police world. 

Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Who is Stew Smith? Coach, Trainer, Author, Podcaster 

I'm the former Navy SEAL that special ops candidates go to for books, ebooks and online coaching to prepare themselves to get to and through intense tactical assessment and selection programs and qualify for service in their chosen tactical profession.  See More at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

Specific Programs & Courses

Resources and Content

Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)

As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.

Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. 


Remember, as you age, your training needs to adapt.

Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?

Imagine waking up each day with more energy, flexibility, and the drive to embrace life head-on. Stew Smith, a seasoned fitness expert with 56 years of experience, has crafted a program specifically for guys like you—men who may feel overwhelmed by fitness options or unsure what’s suitable for their age. With his 22-week plan tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners, you will find exactly what you need to suit your current fitness level.

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

Training is What We Do: 

Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.  

Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs

When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model.  I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, improves flexibility and mobility, and puts you at a level of physical ability where you are happy with your overall ability to do just about anything. We have a system where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics.  When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.  

Online Coaching Options

Online Coaching is Available with Stew Smith Fitness - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.

New Members' Only Content / Services Program!

If you want access to years' worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, a free fitness APP, a closed Facebook Group, a video/picture library of exercises, and more access to LIVE Q/A sessions, check out the Stew Smith Fitness Members Section. 

The dashboard below has the links to all the information, archives, videos, and links to workouts, podcasts, and live Q&A lessons. 

Consider this! - A Membership Program and Gain Access to Exclusive Content
(click for Fitness Club Dashboard - members only)

Best of all, if you have questions, email Stew Smith himself (Stew@stewsmithfitness.com).  Join the tactical fitness group discussions, latest articles, LIVE QA videos, swim critiques, podcasts, and much more at the Stew Smith Tactical Fitness Training Closed Group on Skool.

 

Questions?  Just email Stew@StewSmithFitness.com

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.