By Paul Dexter, Copyright 2014
We are approaching that time of year again. Where everyone is extremely busy with family, work, shopping, etc. Stress is high; you’re trying to balance visiting family and friends, and all the shopping you need to do for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Most people put their health on the back burner this time of year. That is the worst mistake you can make. This is the time of year that you need to make exercise a priority – this is when you need it the most! Not just for the mental effect of relieving the stress of the holidays, but for the physical aspect of all those holiday meals, and desserts that we tend to stuff our faces with.
Don’t give yourself a 2 month hiatus from your health and say -“I’ll start up again in the New Year”. That is the equivalent of saying – “I’m eating so much the next 2 months, it’s pointless to brush my teeth – I’ll just focus on my oral hygiene when I’m not eating so bad”.
Would you ever say that? I hope not.
Wouldn’t you love to be one of those people that doesn’t need to make a New Year resolution regarding your health? Making your health a priority for the whole year, it would be nice to not have to have a resolution regarding weight loss. Being healthy is a lifestyle. It is not something you pick up when you have time. Sticking with the teeth theme- that would be like waiting until you have bad breath, or a cavity to start brushing your teeth.
Would you ever do that? I hope not.
In my 21 years of being a personal trainer, during the holiday season, I recommend to my clients to continue making exercise a part of your holiday plans. This will ensure that you have the momentum to keep exercising going into the New Year. Remember, it is hard to start exercising after you have gotten out of the habit.
Also remember, that it is ok to put yourself first and take some “me-time” to exercise. Even during the busy holiday season, it is important to set aside some space for your own needs. You will have better brain function, be able to handle the stress better, and don’t forget – keeping that metabolism elevated for all the extra desserts that will be thrown your way!
Best tip I can give you is to schedule your workouts in advance, and plan your “holiday duties” around them. This way you can guarantee that you will get your workouts in, and it won’t become something that you “didn’t get to”. This will insure that you will have a happy, stress-free, weight-gain free, holiday season!
