The holidays can be a wonderful time, full of family get-togethers, celebrations with friends and coworkers, delicious foods, and days off from work. But the holidays can also bring some unwanted weight gain, seasonal anxiety, and the loss of good habits that you built up during the year. Physical activity is always good for your body. Here are the 5 key reasons why keeping up with, or even starting, an exercise routine during the holidays can be the most beneficial time of the year to be active.
1. PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN
From the Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings to the December parties featuring rich food and seasonal drinks, the holidays are likely the season in which you’ll consume the most calories. Most people will put on a few pounds during this period. But staying active will keep your metabolism humming and burn off that extra intake. Wouldn’t it be amazing to roll into your New Years’ resolutions with the scale reading a few pounds LESS on Jan 1?
2. RELIEVE STRESS
Yes – there are good times to be had during this festive season. But busy schedules and other factors can drive up stress levels. Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression brought about by fewer hours of daylight and the strain of unusual scheduling demands. Elevate your mood with a workout to release stress reducing hormones – endorphins – to keep you calm during this hectic time. It’s also a documented fact that working out will help you sleep better, which is certainly a stress reliever as well.
3. BUILD YOUR ENERGY LEVEL
In addition to the stress reduction mentioned above, working out will also help you maintain or even increase your energy level. And extra energy will certainly be useful and welcome this season.
4. MAINTAIN POSITIVE HABITS
Studies show that it takes approximately 30 days to develop a positive habit. But unfortunately, those habits can be completely broken in as few as 10 days. Staying active during the holidays will mean you don’t have to start over on developing good behavior patterns when New Years’ Resolution time rolls around in January.
5. KEEP A STRUCTURED SCHEDULE
With time away from work a common feature of the holiday season, you might be tempted to just while away the extra hours on the couch. Scheduling your workout at a consistent time each day will keep your brain focused, your body in tune, and your mood elevated. Each of these is significant factor in helping you enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.
Season’s Greetings from Premier Fitness Source!
Serving you from Start to Fitness.