The holidays are here but and, don't worry...I won't abandon you in your time of need. Using these exercise and health strategies, you can reduce holiday stress and deal with shopping, family visits and those sleepless nights you'll spend putting together complicated toys for the kiddos. Before you completely lose it, find out how to squeak through the holidays unscathed.
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1) Hit the Gym
I know, I know...you've seen about 432 articles about beating holiday weight gain, but forget about that because this is way more important. This is about you and sanity remaining on speaking terms. The gym is your only escape. You can workout, but you can also sit in the hot tub and sweat out your stress in the steam room. Ahh, sweet relaxation. Go. Now.
2) Lift Weights
Lift weights. Yes, resistance training helps you build stronger bones, blah blah blah. But, what about carrying all those shopping bags? And pushing through those manic crowds at the mall? And hanging off the ladder while hanging lights on your house? There are a myriad of holiday scenarios that will require muscle, so check out this database of workouts and choose something that fits your fitness level and schedule.
3) Run or Walk
You may not be crazy about cardio but, during the holiday season, it can have many benefits. First, cardio exercise is proven to increase those feel-good hormones which helps reduce stress, plus you'll help maintain your weight or at least minimize weight gain from eating too many treats. Bonus: When you need a break from the family, it gets you out of the house and helps you re-locate yourself to a place far, far away.
4) Meditate With Yoga
Yoga is fabulous for flexibility, but did you know that it's also great for preparing your mind for the inevitable: your mother's annual guilt trip? Yoga helps center your mind, thus strengthening your guilt deflectors. Mom won't know what hit her when she says, "I worked on this pie for hours, but I'm sure your dessert is much better," and you smile benignly while standing in Tree Pose.
5) Sleep
Eight hours of sleep will give you energy and keep you alert for all the festivities. Now more than ever, you need as much shut-eye as you can get. Bonus: It also allows you to avoid any and all conversation with family. So when Aunt Frieda says, "I've had the worst time with my bunions lately...," simply close your eyes, gently snore and wait for New Year's.
6) Cook--And Make It Healthy
The cook has the hardest job during the holiday season; stuffing the turkey and making that ubiquitous green bean casserole. Keeping everything healthy will help you control calories and it will also make you feel better--heavy, fatty foods can make you tired and cranky. Bonus: Who is the one person excused from all family conversation? Get your butt in there and start cooking something.
7) Shop
Shopping is exhausting--and great exercise! The endless walking and hours of browsing can help you get a little exercise in, even when you're too busy to think. Bonus: Everyone has last minute gifts to buy, right? This is yet another acceptable reason to get yourself out of the house for a legitimate reason. So what if it's Christmas morning. I'm sure there's a 7-11 open somewhere...
8) Drink
Water. It does so many things for you, but what you need to concentrate on right now is energy. Being dehydrated makes you tired and cranky, so drink up all day. Remember that alcohol can be dehydrating--if you drink (and you know you will), have a glass of water between each drink to keep you sober and hydrated (and help avoid a hangover). Note: Make sure you're near a bathroom.
9) Just Say NO!
Saying no is an art form and during the holidays, there's no better gift you can give yourself. Your first priority should be taking care of yourself--if you don't, nothing will get done. Make priorities and decide which functions you must attend, which tasks you can delegate to the spouse or kids and then say no to everything else. Practice with me now: "NO." I can't hear you..."NO!"
10) Reward Yourself
When the holidays are over, it's time to reward yourself for a job well done. Consider a massage, facial or just an hour in the bath tub with the door locked. There's always a little let down when the holidays end, so pick yourself up with a little self-care.
Read more
1) Hit the Gym
I know, I know...you've seen about 432 articles about beating holiday weight gain, but forget about that because this is way more important. This is about you and sanity remaining on speaking terms. The gym is your only escape. You can workout, but you can also sit in the hot tub and sweat out your stress in the steam room. Ahh, sweet relaxation. Go. Now.
2) Lift Weights
Lift weights. Yes, resistance training helps you build stronger bones, blah blah blah. But, what about carrying all those shopping bags? And pushing through those manic crowds at the mall? And hanging off the ladder while hanging lights on your house? There are a myriad of holiday scenarios that will require muscle, so check out this database of workouts and choose something that fits your fitness level and schedule.
3) Run or Walk
You may not be crazy about cardio but, during the holiday season, it can have many benefits. First, cardio exercise is proven to increase those feel-good hormones which helps reduce stress, plus you'll help maintain your weight or at least minimize weight gain from eating too many treats. Bonus: When you need a break from the family, it gets you out of the house and helps you re-locate yourself to a place far, far away.
4) Meditate With Yoga
Yoga is fabulous for flexibility, but did you know that it's also great for preparing your mind for the inevitable: your mother's annual guilt trip? Yoga helps center your mind, thus strengthening your guilt deflectors. Mom won't know what hit her when she says, "I worked on this pie for hours, but I'm sure your dessert is much better," and you smile benignly while standing in Tree Pose.
5) Sleep
Eight hours of sleep will give you energy and keep you alert for all the festivities. Now more than ever, you need as much shut-eye as you can get. Bonus: It also allows you to avoid any and all conversation with family. So when Aunt Frieda says, "I've had the worst time with my bunions lately...," simply close your eyes, gently snore and wait for New Year's.
6) Cook--And Make It Healthy
The cook has the hardest job during the holiday season; stuffing the turkey and making that ubiquitous green bean casserole. Keeping everything healthy will help you control calories and it will also make you feel better--heavy, fatty foods can make you tired and cranky. Bonus: Who is the one person excused from all family conversation? Get your butt in there and start cooking something.
7) Shop
Shopping is exhausting--and great exercise! The endless walking and hours of browsing can help you get a little exercise in, even when you're too busy to think. Bonus: Everyone has last minute gifts to buy, right? This is yet another acceptable reason to get yourself out of the house for a legitimate reason. So what if it's Christmas morning. I'm sure there's a 7-11 open somewhere...
8) Drink
Water. It does so many things for you, but what you need to concentrate on right now is energy. Being dehydrated makes you tired and cranky, so drink up all day. Remember that alcohol can be dehydrating--if you drink (and you know you will), have a glass of water between each drink to keep you sober and hydrated (and help avoid a hangover). Note: Make sure you're near a bathroom.
9) Just Say NO!
Saying no is an art form and during the holidays, there's no better gift you can give yourself. Your first priority should be taking care of yourself--if you don't, nothing will get done. Make priorities and decide which functions you must attend, which tasks you can delegate to the spouse or kids and then say no to everything else. Practice with me now: "NO." I can't hear you..."NO!"
10) Reward Yourself
When the holidays are over, it's time to reward yourself for a job well done. Consider a massage, facial or just an hour in the bath tub with the door locked. There's always a little let down when the holidays end, so pick yourself up with a little self-care.
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