Exercising Stress Out of the Holidays
With the holiday season fast approaching, times can get stressful and there are greater challenges to following our normal diet. Instead of reaching for that extra cookie or helping of mashed potatoes to help you cope with your least favorite in-law, consider exercise.
Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. And, being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from the daily worries of finding the perfect present or making the perfect meal. No matter your holiday plans, exercise should be involved to help offset the extra calories and the stress that often accompanies holiday festivities.
Here are a few tips to help:
1. Don't wait until the New Year to start. Try being proactive towards your goals and start before the holidays.
2. If traveling, try to find a hotel that has a gym or fitness center. Take advantage of those hotels with an indoor pool, treadmill or weight equipment.
3. Get in a quality workout before that large meal. This will allow for a spike in your metabolic rate which would lead to more calories burned throughout the day.
4. If you're a runner, find a race that you can participate in over the holidays. Many areas have holiday races the day of Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years to enjoy with your family.
5. No gym? Try bodyweight training. Bodyweight exercises can help you train efficiently and effectively. Push-ups, squats, lunges, and pull-ups are all great exercises without any needed equipment.
6. Enjoy the good times! The holidays are celebration and togetherness with our loved ones. Exercise is great, but do not forget to enjoy that time. Health is more than diet and exercise; it's about your overall well-being.
|