If you go into any mall or department store these days, you’ll see the telltale signs that the holiday season is around the corner. For some reason big retailers have seen fit to move this up every year. The day after Thanksgiving used to mark the appearance of Christmas trees and shiny decorations. Over the past 10 years they have appeared earlier and earlier. Now they can often be seen slowly sneaking into stores in early October…long before Halloween is on the scene. I only mention this because they not only mark the advent of the holidays, but they mean an increased level of stress in our lives.
The Thanksgiving/Christmas/Hanukah season is supposed to be a time of family, wonder, giving and peace. Instead it has turned into a frenzy of shopping, obligations, over eating and stress! One of the best ways to keep your life in balance in the coming months is to exercise regularly. We get so busy that working out often goes on the back burner. Doing that will intensify any stress that you are experiencing. Giving up your exercise routine now, will make it much harder to get back in the groove in the New Year. So what can you do to fit exercise into your busy holiday routine?
Make an appointment on your calendar for your workouts…just like you do for any other important events in your schedule. Then keep those appointments.
Use time with your family to squeeze in some exercise. Take a walk with your mother while you catch up, rather than sitting around the kitchen and talking. Or take time to play some running games with your grandchildren, nieces and nephews. They’ll have fun and you’ll get a workout.
When you go shopping at the mall, walk a lap of the entire mall every time you leave a store…before entering a new store. In addition to getting in some exercise, you might do less impulse buying.
The other tip when shopping is to park at the outer edge of the lot and walk a little further to the store. It will be easier to get out of the parking lot and burn a few calories at the same time.
Take a few minutes out of your busy day to find a quiet place to sit down, close your eyes and center yourself. Clear all your thoughts about work and chores and appointments out of your mind and just relax.
The other factor that can contribute to stress in the holiday season is over eating, skipping meals and consuming too much alcohol. Every time we turn around, someone has brought “goodies” into work and we end up nibbling all day.
Keep a bag of crunchy veggies on hand to substitute for the sugary treats. They won’t give you that sugar high, which is followed by a severe drop in energy.
Eat something healthy before heading out to parties. You will feel fuller and less likely to binge on the food at the gathering.
Choose your alcoholic beverages carefully…some have way more calories than others. Also limit yourself to one or two at any given party. Be sure to drink a glass of water in between each indulgence.
Eat several smaller meals throughout your day, which means you will feel fuller if you go to a holiday celebration in the evening.
By being thoughtful and intentional in your exercise plan and diet, you can keep your holiday stress to a minimum. Don’t let yourself get so caught up in doing things for others at this time of the year, that you forget to take care of yourself. If you get stressed out it won’t be a joyous holiday season for anyone. Keep exercising and watch what you eat and you and your family will enjoy time together with less stress.
Judy is an active 50-something. She taught group exercise at the YMCA for 20 years. Judy completed her first marathon at 48 and her first triathlon at 54. She tries to encourage and inspire everyone to become and stay active…especially the baby boomers.