Maintaining a consistent exercise routine during the holiday season can be a challenge, but it’s an essential component of overall wellness and balance. Regular physical activity not only helps to manage stress and maintain a healthy weight but also boosts mood, energy levels, and immune function.
Holiday Exercise Tips
You do not have to completely abandon your commitment to fitness during the holidays, although you may have to make a few adjustments. Try these tips to help stay fit during the holidays.
Be Creative
One of the keys to incorporating exercise into your holiday routine is to be creative and flexible. Instead of relying solely on your typical gym routine, explore new ways to stay active that align with the season’s festivities. Consider going for a brisk walk or hike with family and friends, participating in a holiday-themed fitness class, or even trying your hand at ice skating or sledding. Wear your tennis shoes to the mall and walk briskly between stores to boost your typical mall meandering into a heart-healthy exercise. Check out a walking holiday light exhibit. Look for ways to enjoy the season and exercise at the same time.
Something is Better than Nothing
Some give up on exercise completely during the holiday season. Their regular gym routine won’t fit into their busy holiday schedule so they resign themselves to an idle season. However, every little bit helps. If you find that your schedule is particularly packed during the holidays, try to find ways to sneak in short bursts of activity throughout the day. Take a quick 10-15 minute break to do some stretching or bodyweight exercises or opt for the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. Set a reminder on your phone or watch to get up and move every hour. Research shows that taking a few minutes to do some bodyweight exercises or even just walking around can help combat the negative impacts of sitting for prolonged periods. Every little bit of movement can contribute to your overall well-being and help you maintain a sense of balance during this busy time.
Have a Plan
Exercise often slips off the agenda as the holiday season picks up. Schedules change and routines are overturned. The simplest way to exercise during the holidays is to schedule it. As you plan your week, think through ways and times that you can exercise. It’s important to be realistic. Set yourself up for success by setting practical goals for when and where you can exercise during the holiday season. Having a plan makes it much easier and more likely that you will actually exercise regularly.
Exercise in the Morning
You will find the most success in your ambitions to exercise this holiday season if you exercise right away in the morning. Exercising in the morning sets up your day for success, giving you a sense of accomplishment that carries through the rest of the day. Getting moving in the morning also gives you the benefit of feel-good chemicals as you start your day. Plus, you will not have to wrangle your schedule to fit movement into another part of the day. You will not spend the day worrying about how you can find the time to exercise. Morning exercise is the best way to stay active and stay on track during the holidays.
Remember, the key is to find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your holiday schedule. By making exercise a priority, you’ll not only reap the physical benefits but also experience the mental and emotional benefits of stress relief and improved mood.
References:
https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/8-simple-ways-stay-fit-holidays/
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