Working out. Ugh! That’s usually the first thing to go from our routine as the Holidays start to roll around. It’s cold. Who wants to scrape the car to go work out? It’s so much easier to pull the covers over our heads and get a few extra minutes of sleep. Right?
I am certainly guilty of this one myself. I always find 100 things to do OTHER THAN working out. And I’m not sure why, because I actually enjoy it once I start. I’ve found that I really do like to lift weights and I do like the challenge of doing one more rep or one more pound, or one more set.
Working out is good for our mental health too!
The Holiday craziness is probably the time of year that we need to make sure we are carving out gym time the most. Both for our bodies and for our MIND.
Let’s face it, the Holidays are a crazy time, filled with a lot of stress for many of us. Working out starts our brain’s process of producing endorphins, which basically are the body’s mood elevators and natural painkillers. Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Endorphins are responsible for the boosted mood and awesome feelings of relaxation after a good workout.
So, that time of year that we think is the busiest and craziest is probably the BEST time of year to make sure we get our workouts in!
Gym vs Home, which is better?
We don’t need to get to the gym and take a full hour aerobics class followed by an hour of lifting. There are literally thousands of workouts available on Youtube and Pinterest. Do a search for HIIT workout to find one that you like. A simple walk also does wonders to help boost our moods. The key is to find an exercise you LIKE! You’ll be more likely to stick to it if it’s something you enjoy!
Anyone that’s followed me for any length of time knows that I am a huge advocate of getting it done when and where you can. Five squats every time you go to the bathroom. Yes, even in the stall at the mall. Start with five. Each day add 1 or 2 more. Soon you’ll be doing 100 or more squats a day without even realizing it! Squats work a large group of lower muscles up to and including your core and back. There are different types depending on which part of your legs you want to work more.
Planks are another great body weight exercise. Start with 20 seconds a day. Each day or each week, work your way up to another 10 seconds. If you are using proper form, you should be able to feel it from your legs all the way up to your shoulders. It’s a great core workout!
Yoga and stretches are also GREAT for relieving stress. Start your morning routine with some simple stretches. Do a few at your desk at work. End your night with one or two stretches before bed. You’ll soon find that your daily mood is better and you’re better equipped mentally to deal with the Holiday stress.
