Staying Active Over the Holidays

As the holiday season arrives, schedules can fill up with parties, dinners, shopping, and vacations. Although this is an exciting time of year, it can be stressful. When our calendars get overwhelming, in order to meet holiday demands, one of the first things people often reduce is exercise. Also, as the weather turns cooler, people spend less time outdoors. Since physical activity helps reduce stress and up our energy, slashing a workout routine can make things worse.

Exercise induces stress reducing hormones called endorphins that help you feel great. If November and December bring more stress into your life, consider exercise as a way to balance it out. It could be your outlet for tension relief and ultimately give you enough energy to happily and calmly power through the holidays.

If you do not regularly practice yoga, consider trying it this winter. Not only does it improve heart health, flexibility and body strength, it can help clear your mind from holiday craziness that sometimes piles up. Meditative practices help to calm the mind to help you become more physically and emotionally aware. Furthermore, hot yoga studios are growing in popularity and a great way to stay cozy as the temperature drops. You can find them all over the city.

For many, the holiday season means family feasts, parties, and festive drinks. This is another reason why being physically active should take priority. Since many people travel near and far it may seem difficult to continue with your workout routine. However, staying fit does not have to mean regular gym visits or joining a sports team. There are many ways to incorporate exercise into a holiday schedule. Think of your daily routine…can you take the stairs more? Can you park farther from work and walk to the office? Consider becoming a mall walker!

When holiday shopping, arrive before the stores open to take a power stroll before your power shop. As the snow falls, consider shoveling as exercise. You can also embrace the cool weather by snowshoeing, outdoor/indoor skating or by cross-country or downhill skiing. Also, if you are a runner, do not be afraid to run outside. If you are properly prepared and dressed, it is perfectly safe. Another great idea is to get a pedometer to track your steps. You should be aiming to take at least 10,000 steps a day. If you are traveling or staying in a hotel, pack a resistance band for strengthening and a jump rope for cardio. This requires little room in your luggage and can be done in small spaces.

Staying fit this holiday is easier than you think. With some preparation and creativity, you can easily stay energized throughout it all. However you choose to be active, remember to have fun with it!