December Article
Energize Your Holiday Season!
By Bev Hillman
Vancouver Personal Training
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us and will make extra demands on our time, energy and good humour. All these holiday responsibilities can throw even the healthiest schedule out of whack.
To take charge of our life, especially during this hectic season, we must realize there is never perfect balance. Life has its ups and downs and we must take them as they come.
Here are some holiday wellness ideas that will help you keep your balance in check and stay on a more even keel during the festive season.
* Prepare in advance by planning ways to make your holidays healthy. Book a relaxing activity such as a massage the day before you do all your holiday cooking or schedule some down time to read a favourite book after guests have left. Select some healthy, heart-friendly recipes to prepare. Locate some hiking trails to venture out on. Just one or two health-enhancing behaviours can make a world of difference.
* Worry less about eating too many goodies and more about getting enough high-energy nutrients. Look for fruits, vegetables, protein, plenty of fiber and lots of water wherever you go.
* Be creative and make the right moves. Physical activity will combat stress, increase energy, improve attitude, help manage your weight and make it easier to get back to your routine after the holidays. Set an activity minimum and stick to it. If you know you won't make it to the gym, work out at home to your favourite exercise video or use a jump rope and resistance band to create your own circuit workout. If you are traveling away from home, wear comfortable shoes and take a brisk 20-minute walk at the airport. Once you've reached your destination, check out a local fitness facility.
* Be body aware and learn to scan your body for stress. Managing stress can be easier than you think. When feeling overwhelmed, simply stop what you are doing, sit or stand tall, close your eyes and quickly scan the body for tension or fatigue. Focus on the stressed areas and relax those muscles. Listening to your body makes your more aware of its limits and helps you acknowledge the strains and stresses that you may be experiencing. Napping can also be a powerful tool during the holiday. If possible, take a 10-minute power nap.
* Take a deep breath. Take a few moments to turn inward by closing the eyes and focusing on your breath. Inhale for four counts and exhale for eight. It will have a calming effect helping you relax and your thoughts will become clear. It is difficult to feel stressed, insecure or filled with negative emotions when you are breathing deep. Not only stress, but also heart rate and blood pressure will also be lowered.
*Be flexible and have a positive attitude. Focus less on what is going wrong and more on what is going right. Think of all the things you are grateful for and share your gratitude with others around you. This positive attitude may even catch on. Promise yourself to laugh as often as you can these holidays, regardless of what happens to your well-intended plans. At night take a moment to recount the day's happy moments. Remember, laughter and enjoying yourself are very healthy things to do.
Wishing you health and happiness throughout the holiday season and coming year.
Bev Hillman is a local Fitness Consultant and Personal Trainer. She can be
reached at www.trainwithbev.com or 604-948-0709.
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