Tips to stay active during the holidays!
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Yes, it's the best time of the year! But this time of the year also comes with its fitness and weight management challenges. From Christmas brownies to tasty turkey down to everyone's favorite, Christmas sugar cookies, it's the season of festive food. You will find yourself losing track of all your healthy habits, which you probably worked hard to keep up in 2021 after the covid lockdown. On top of that, family in town? Or are you visiting? Your schedule must be packed with friends and family leaving little time for your own fitness goals.
So how can you have a festive season and enjoy the joys of Christmas yet keep active and switched on when it comes to your fitness and active life goals.
While there are many tips and tricks you can find online, we did all the research for you and summarised the easiest to follow during the season. You don't need to follow all of them, but sticking to just a few of them might make the difference you need, especially if you are not on the active side.
Morning walk
Set the alarm earlier and go for a quick walk around the block. Keep your comfortable sportswear and shoes at arm’s length. And fix your routine to start your day with a walk, which will only energize you and keep you in a positive mindset for the day and fit in the process. In some cases, if your schedule doesn’t allow, you can take this walk in the evening to end the day with some endorphins.
Park far, walk when you can
Fitting a daily walk during the holiday season is a challenge? No problem. Try to compensate in alternative ways. If you are not carrying heavy bags or items and need to drop by the mall or store, park at a distance and walk. Make sure you wear comfortable shoewear and take that walk if you need to check the bakery for some Christmas cookies or grab a small gift for your next get-together.
Outdoor family activities and kids activities
The holiday season is the best time for quality activities with friends and family. While you can still have that long-awaited brunch, you can also do other activities, especially with kids. Examples include a holiday-themed picnic in the park where you can play some football or catch a ball or ride your bikes around. A great way to keep the kids off the screen and stay in shape simultaneously!
Stay low on carbs
Stuffed turkey, roast beef, yummy cookies and brownies, mashed potatoes, the list goes on. If you are hosting a Christmas gathering, present some low-cal options on the table. These include sugar-free brownies or carb-free recipes. There are many recipes out there waiting for you to try!
Participate in Holiday themed runs or attend a carnival!
There isn't a more fun way than participating in those holiday-themed runs, such as the Santa run scheduled on December 10th in Dubai. You should also check out the numerous Christmas festivals and wonderlands across the emirates for a fun time for the whole family. Make sure you get your reasonable share of walking while each family member enjoys something there, so you can try to reach your goal of steps for that day.
At-home workouts
Too busy for an outdoor run? Try to create an at-home workout routine, from beginner's yoga or stretching to light cardio; the options are many! You can squeeze in your daily workout routine in the morning (preferably), afternoon, or even evening, for around 30 minutes. Workouts and stretching help increase the blood flow to your muscles, keep your energy levels high, and give a boost to your mood.
Be focused
That would be the most critical piece of advice I can give you. Stay focused on being active. It can be easy to get swamped with the day's errands, especially during the holidays. Keep it a goal in your mind to stay active one way or another and try to track, for example, through a wearable that reminds you of your daily fitness goals.
There is no one general rule, nor one size fits all. Different bodies, lifestyles, and even personalities require different fitness routines. Find what keeps you motivated to stay active, and remember to make it a habit, even during the holiday season.
