Are we there yet? Have we made it though the Holiday Season? Well, almost.
My last article discussed ways to beat the holiday bulge. This one will address ways to overcome holiday stress.
As we know, with the holidays come a host of social gatherings and parties that usually lead to increased food and drink consumption, and yes, more stress.
As we get busier and busier, we tend to get more and more stressed out. Thus, certain parts of our routine fall by the wayside to make time for everything else, namely our exercise regimes.
Studies have shown that regular exercise is an effective stress reducer, and the Holidays are a prime source of anxiety for many people. Although it is a time of joy and peace, depression levels skyrocket. Some exercise is better than none, and time is of the essence.
There are a number of effective ways of keeping to your program. One is writing it down on your daily calendar, as you would an appointment — an appointment with Mr. Elliptical Trainer, if you will. You are less likely to skip an appointment that is written down than one that is not in writing.
Another great strategy: find a workout partner. If you know someone else is counting on you, you will probably not skip it. It also makes the workout more fun. Or , if you still think you will be inclined to miss your workouts, hire a personal trainer during the Holidays. Again, if you know someone is waiting for you, and in this case, you are paying for it, you will show up.
Set a goal of maintaining your present weight during the weeks between Thanksgiving (or even Halloween) and New Years. The average person gains approximately seven to ten pounds during this time. With the extra food and drink most of us take in, exercising is one way to offset those extra pounds, which contributes to the anxiety that builds up during this season.
Beat the New Year‚s rush. One of the most common New Year‚s resolutions is to “lose weight and get in shape.” Get ahead of the masses, and start now.
Bottom line, the Holidays can be an enormously stressful time for many. Which is all the more reason to stick with your exercise program. Maintain your fitness levels, and your stress levels will likely take care of themselves.
