Life gets hectic during the holidays! We try to squeeze in extra tasks into our already busy schedules even when we try to simplify. Making or buying gifts, wrapping, buying and decorating a tree, sending holiday cards, making treats and attending festivities all add up. One healthy habit that I try to maintain over the holidays that helps me stay on track is my exercise routine. I have a wonderful Zumba class that I include in my schedule weekly and my older dog needs walked to help ease his arthritis pain. I have an exercise video that I can do when the weather is cold and rainy even when it’s dark outside. My husband is my exercise buddy and goes to the gym with me and takes me on mountain hikes. Each morning one of us asks “Are we going to the gym tonight”? I set behavioral goals each week for my exercise, sometimes I am successful but at times I am not. Exercise reduces stress and elevates our mood, these are important tools during the holiday season as the days become shorter. How do you stay on track with your exercise routine? If you are falling short this holiday season, think of ways to help you get back on track. For many of us, when we exercise, we pay more attention to what we eat which can be a great tool to maintain weight. Some great holiday gifts that you can suggest to your family and friends might include new exercise clothes, a pedometer, hand weights, new athletic shoes, an exercise tape or a jogging stroller if you have a little one. Exercise is one of the best gifts that you can give yourself this holiday season! We are almost halfway through the season, keep working at it! The most tempting part of the season is coming up for me! Stay tuned next week when I share some tips for surviving those holiday sweets!
