The ghouls and hauntings of Halloween have come and gone, but the holiday season is just beginning. Hopefully, you didn’t stray too far from any good eating or exercise habits amidst the temptations of candy, trick-or-treaters, and parties. The upcoming holidays will bring good times with family and friends which unfortunately comes with a similar amount of temptations to eat, drink, and be merry outside of good proportions.
Chances are, you will become busy in the chaos and fuss of the holiday season. Some people thrive on this type of atmosphere because they are at their best. Others don’t appreciate the stress, and fall short in regards to diet and exercise. The best way to stay calm in a busy life is to get a plan and stick with it. In the fitness world, it’s all about planning and executing. It’s one thing to get a program together and decide you are going to work hard to reach a fitness goal. It’s another thing to actually do the exercise and adhere to the plan.
Stress can be a goal-inhibitor. It can get in the way of what you want to accomplish. When you get busy and stressed, especially during the holidays, often the last thing you want to do it work out. Exercise may be the last thing on your plate, but it is the perfect recipe for staying calm during the busy season. The time to start is now, before the craziness of planning meals and getting the family all in one place starts to take over your life for a few months. With a good plan you can get into a good routine.
Pick 4. Find 4 of your favorite exercises and pick 2 to do every day. Alternate days between the 2 exercises, and you will be on your way to establishing good exercise habits. For instance, if you like pushups, crunches, jumping jacks, and lunges, you can do pushups and jumping jacks on Sunday, and you can do crunches and lunges on Monday. Continue alternating days for a couple of weeks, and once you get into a good routine, you can add 2 exercises each week.
Do Cardio. Don’t forget about your heart during the holidays. Not only is going for a walk, bike ride, or jog good for your heart health, it releases endorphins that help you feel better and combat stress. Just like the Pick 4, get into a good routine now, and you will be well-established when the busy schedule knocks on your door. Set a goal of going for a walk or run every other day until you feel comfortable doing cardio work every day or 5-6 days per week.
Try Yoga. Yoga can be a tremendous stress reliever, and it gives your mind a chance to relax and meditate as your body gains flexibility and strength.
Whatever you choose to do, get a plan together and stick with it. Get that head start now, and you will be feeling calm and relaxed instead of stressed and tight.
