As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The first wealth is your health,” but between the cocktail parties, travelling, and other seasonal, gastronomic indulgences, it can be pretty tough to stay fighting-fit during the holidays. Family gatherings, work obligations, and even last minute shopping means our focus shifts while self-discipline, workouts and healthy eating get delayed.
This doesn’t have to be the case and we’re offering you several smart strategies, tips, tricks, and motivational techniques to make fitness and wellbeing a part of the holiday season and all winter long.
- Build activity into family visits – We’ve all got family commitments over the holidays and usually they involve lots of ham, Christmas cake, and alcohol. These treats are fine when kept in check with a brisk countryside walk after the meal. As the Scandinavian saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!” So bundle up and get outside.
- Take the stairs – According to the CDC in America, walking up stairs burns five times more calories than taking a lift.
- Get a trainer – Motivation might not be a problem for you most of the year, but when the days grow colder and darker it might help to know that you’ve got someone keeping you accountable. Personal trainers will guide you on your training and keep you on track.
- Get your moves on – Be first on the floor and dance up a storm at the parties through the season. It’s not only fun, but dancing is great exercise for getting your heart pumping and the calories burning.
- Download a mobile fitness app – If you don’t want a personal trainer, a fitness app might be the next best thing. There are some great apps out there to keep you focused and organized. Even the simplest of apps will monitor your output and your calorie intake to help keep you in check.
- Get a new playlist or outfit – Don’t know about you, but it’s great to feel good when you work out and nothing helps build a little spring in your step than when you’ve got some tempting tunes and new matching top and leggings.
- Clean your house – You might be surprised, but doing your chores gets you moving and burning calories; and you’ll end up with a clean house, too! So get vacuuming, washing windows, and doing your squats while tidying up.
- Santa Runs! – It’s great having a challenge to look forward to throughout the year, but as there are so many Santa Fun runs organized throughout the season why not sign-up for one today: http://www.santadash.co.uk. If running’s not your thing, why not find some other physical challenge to keep you motivated throughout the winter.
- Don’t forget your veg: Let the crudités platter be your best friend. Fill up on the good stuff and you won’t overeat. Stock up, especially, on your the more watery veggies and fruits like celery, cucumber, lettuce, oranges, and grapes. These will not only satiate the appetite, but keep you hydrated, as well.
- Enjoy! – Indulging is definitely a part of the holiday season (some call it the eating season!) and we’re not saying to not partake. We are saying that you should indulge…just a little. Go ahead and enjoy the traditional treats you look forward. Many of these celebratory foods and drink are a part of our traditions…just make sure to be mindful of the portions. This will keep you feeling good throughout the season and hopefully throughout the year.
