The holidays are an exciting time. There are festive events and activities. It’s a time to connect with those we love. For many women, it can also become a hectic season where things like personal fitness take a back seat.
It’s important to keep up with a healthy routine, even during the holidays. Skipping a workout or eating poorly will have a negative impact on physical and mental wellness. There are many reasons why some women decide to skip their normal routine.
- Holiday Related Stress
The holiday season puts more pressure on people, which can lead to an increase in stress. There is more to do to prepare. Many people cook elaborate dinners and buy gifts for friends and family. From finding the funds to pay for it all to running errands and wrapping presents, it is easy to see how stress levels can run high during this time of year.
- More Sweets and Fatty Foods
There tends to be an increase in the availability of sugary and fatty foods during the holidays. Many people bake Christmas cookies or serve other sweet treats. Grocery stores also tend to have more tempting dessert foods. These foods, along with alcohol, tend to find their way into parties and gatherings. It’s ok to enjoy it all in moderation, but it can be easy to overindulge.
- Busy Holiday Schedule
The holidays are a busier time of year for almost everyone. Social events take time, especially for those who host. Even those who aren’t hosting or attending an event will encounter longer wait times at stores or while sitting in traffic.
- Time for Travel or Visitors
Many people travel during the holidays or welcome overnight guests into their homes. Both activities require altering schedules. It takes time to prepare for and host guests or travel to see family.
Less physical activity and more unhealthy eating are not a good combination for women’s health. Prepare for this year’s festivities by taking steps to keep up with your wellness routine.
How to Keep Your Activity Levels Up During the Holidays
The first thing every woman should do is plan their holiday activities. When you include exercise as part of your seasonal routine, it will be easier to stick with it. Before you begin, stay up to date on your regular check-ups. Make sure you also know the health screenings that every woman over age 40 should schedule this year.
Start with a clean slate so you can enjoy the holidays to the fullest without any negative effects on your overall health.
- Plan Home Workouts
Plan time and space to work out at home. Even if you go to a gym, having a home alternative is a good backup plan. Traveling to the gym takes up precious time. You can shave off those extra minutes and still get your exercise in.
Even if you don’t have workout equipment at home, you can still do many exercises. Look for workouts that are ideal for your body type and fitness goals. Basic exercises like sit-ups, pushups, and aerobics can be almost done anywhere.
- Exercise with Your Guests
If you are having houseguests for the holidays, consider inviting them to join your workout session. Having someone else working out with you will help you stick with your routine. It can also be beneficial for your guests who most likely also interrupted their normal schedule to stay with you.
If you want to change things up, consider switching some of your workouts to a walk around the neighborhood with your guests. You can show them around while everyone gets physical activity in between festivities.
- Have a Workout Buddy
A workout buddy is someone who joins you in your exercise sessions. This can be helpful all year long, but especially during times when you are more likely to skip your workouts.
Having another person involved is a good way to hold yourself accountable. A friend can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration. You can support each other and make it harder to skip workouts.
- Park Further Away
Park further away when you run your holiday errands. Look for parking spots that are a few rows back from where you usually park when going to the store, bank, mall, or wherever. This will force you to take more steps throughout the day. It only takes an extra few minutes and will help you stay active.
You can get even more steps in by walking around more while shopping. Take the long way to the aisle or store you need to visit or walk an extra lap before you head to the registers.
- Set Holiday Fitness Goals
Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean you can’t set fitness goals. Come up with realistic objectives based on ability and available time. Having a measurable goal will ensure that you know you are keeping up with your fitness routine.
Your women’s healthcare provider can help you come up with reasonable goals that are tailored to your individual needs.
- Try a New Seasonal Activity
This is a great time to try a new seasonal activity. If you have always wanted to do some winter hiking, ice skating, or skiing, give it a try. These activities are fun and will help you stay motivated to exercise during the holidays. You may discover a new favorite hobby while enjoying all that the season has to offer.
- Use Short Workouts
If you are accustomed to longer workout sessions, this might be a good time to experiment with shorter ones. Shorter sessions are easier to fit into a packed schedule. Doing quick exercises is also a good way to de-stress during the holidays. Give yourself a boost of endorphins while getting your blood circulating and your lungs working.
Staying active now will set you up for a healthy year. You can also check out 15 things you can do to prepare for a healthy spring to stay ahead. Remember to talk to your doctor before making dramatic changes to your regular fitness routine.