With the holidays upon us, especially during an unprecedented year, it’s very easy to lapse into bad habits for our health and wellness instead of getting a workout in. The holidays have always meant sweets and treats, but this year, for many, it’s quieter than normal as well. In addition, while the holidays bring us much joy, they also bring elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Fitness is more than just maintaining a summer body when the layers come off, it’s an essential cornerstone of mental health and wellness. That’s why we’re big advocates of taking control of your fitness and health during the holiday season! We know the gyms may be closed, but we’ve put together a few practical ways you can be intentional with your health during the holidays.
Prioritize Greens & Proteins While Home
Let’s face it–we’re going to be snacking on treats. Year after year, many try, through sheer willpower, to maintain a diet or clean eating lifestyle during the holidays, only to be done-in by Grandma’s famous pastries. Rather than avoiding sweets, prioritize getting proper nutrition in your diet early on. When you’re full of proteins and phytonutrients, your body will tell your brain that you’re well fed! Get a healthy variety of proteins like nut/seed butters and also greens in the mornings before you go out shopping. Hunger signals fire off more strongly when you’re lacking the nutrients you need. So by all means–enjoy Grandma’s pastries! Just get your nutrients in and you’ll be much less likely to over-indulge.
Connect With Others
The biggest resource any of us have is our neighbor. Loneliness is a very real problem, especially this year, with many people feeling starved for connection, and this is only amplified during the holidays. Being starved for connection can trick your brain into feeling starved for food, too. This, you guessed it, urges you to reach for the cookie jar. Even if you are socially distancing this year, reach out to others and make an effort to connect. They might need you as much as you need them. In fact, we encourage you to go a step further: Set your health and fitness goals and get a friend to join you! Not only can you hold each other accountable, but this is a great way to maintain social connection.
Stay Active!
Even though it’s overcast and the sun sets earlier, you absolutely can stay active during the winter. Gyms in Tacoma may be closed, but there are many activities you can do at home as a workout. Never underestimate the power of a good jog in the rain (but make sure you warm up after!). Cardio is your friend! If you’re not one for being outside in the cold, consider indoor circuits. You can do these in your living room with a mat. There are a variety of core training movements that are designed to be performed quickly and elevate your heart rate. A small set of dumbbells can add good resistance to get your muscles working as well. Reach out to us if you need help getting started with these! I have an Online Trainer program that is perfect for home or group workout classes. Online Training – Organically Grown Muscle
Stay Limber
Stretching is another part of the workout that is good for both the mind and body. When we’re fighting holiday stress and loneliness, a stretching routine like yoga can help us unwind and give us time to breathe and reflect. Being quiet and intentional is a great way to nurture introspection, process our thoughts and feelings, and soothe and relax tension. If you’re staying active at home, stretching will also reduce your risk of injury and help you recover more quickly. Even five minutes a day can significantly improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
Holiday Fitness may look a bit different this year, but with some thought and intention we can still maintain our fitness and continue to workout! We look forward to the gyms reopening and New Year’s Resolutions coming back, but even during a pandemic it’s our responsibility to make the most of the time we’re given. We’re always here for you when you need advice or encouragement. Happy Holidays to you and yours!