OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Healthy Stress-free Holidays

Exercise Your Stress Away During the Holidays
by Robyn Lonto, PT

If you have read our past articles you know exercise is very important in maintaining good health. However, finding the time to exercise or even get adequate sleep during the holidays can be difficult and even stressful. The strain and physical demand of shopping, attending social functions, and preparing holiday meals can leave you exhausted and overwhelmed. Exercise is one of the most important factors in managing stress.

Maintaining your regular exercise routine or just going for a 20-30 minute walk each day can help you feel more in control and decrease anxiety, depression and feelings of being overwhelmed. A key ingredient is to plan ahead. By making a plan, you will be more likely to get in your regular exercise. Make physical activity a family affair and include the whole family. If stress and anxiety are running high in your household try some mind/body exercises such as tai chi or yoga. There are many DVDs available, so everyone in the family can get some exercise together.

If you already exercise regularly and have a routine down, make a commitment to stick with it through the holidays. You may have to alter your time schedule, but again if you plan ahead you will have a better chance of getting in your exercise. If you do not already exercise the holidays may be a difficult time to start a structured program. So, if that’s the case for you, try just getting out and walking even 20-30 minutes to help control your stress. When the holidays are over, make a concerted effort to start a structured program consisting of aerobic exercise, strengthening and stretching.

Encouraging and helping the entire family to exercise regularly is a great news year resolution! If you have children in your household, teaching them to exercise will instill routines and habits that will keep them fit and healthy for a lifetime.

Here are a few holiday gift ideas under $100 that will help encourage the your loved ones to exercise:

• Exercise bands/tubing
• Exercise balls
• Exercise or work out mats/Yoga mats
• Jump ropes
• Workout clothes or shoes
• Exercise videos or DVD’s
• Weights/or dumbbells
• Pedometers
• Heart rate monitors

If you or someone in your family needs help getting started or re-vamping their exercise program you can make an appointment to see the Physical Therapist at the Center. A well designed exercise program should help you achieve your health and fitness goals with the least amount of time. If you are not achieving your goals consider making an appointment or even get V02 max tested for a more accurately guided exercise program. The Center also offers Tai Chi classes/DVD’s as well as group exercise/instructional classes. If you purchase a PT consult for some one else in the month of December you will receive a free bag with exercise tubing and exercise card with instructions.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for “advice only”, and not meant to provide specific medical recommendations or replace the medical advice of your health care practitioner.

—December 2006

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