Healthy Holiday Tips

The holiday season is upon us! Between the food, fun, and festivities, we know how difficult it can be to stay both mentally and physically healthy during the holiday season. The main goal to keep in mind is consistency, specifically with exercise, sleep routines, and food habits.

Take it one day at a time. Don’t stress about treating yourself during the holidays – just be mindful of balance.

Here are some healthful tips to help you through this holiday season as well as to maintain daily:Choose from a variety of live-streaming classes or pre-recorded on-demand classes.

1. Keep Your Routine
   First things first–if you already have a fitness routine established, don’t stop it! With all of the family gatherings, parties, and events, sticking to a routine can provide some needed structure. Hit the gym before you head out for the night. Or plan a Personal Training session after a big night out–you’ll be less likely to overindulge if you know you’ve got an extensive training session the next day.
2. Make Rest a Priority
   With all the hustle and bustle, getting enough sleep can be a challenge. The key tip for better sleep is to prioritize sleep by coming up with a good bedtime routine. At the beginning of your bedtime routine, say goodnight to your electronics. Electronic devices, including computers, televisions, smartphones, and tablets, all emit strong blue light, which tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime. Try these bedtime routines: read a book (not on a mobile device), take a warm bath, meditate, journal, or enjoy some warm non-caffeinated herbal teas. Rest is what keeps you going, so make sure that you listen to your body and get enough quality sleep to help you feel energized each day.
3. Exercise in the Morning
   When the weather starts to shift, getting up in the morning may start to feel like a chore. Although hitting the snooze button may seem like the right call, make a conscious effort to get up and move in the morning. Do whichever type of movement works for you, be it meditation and breathing work, HIIT, a walk, yoga, etc. – aim for at least 20 minutes of activity before you officially start your day.
4. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
   Starting your day with a balanced breakfast, full of fiber, protein, and free from sugar will give you more energy throughout the day and help you feel fuller longer. Meaning you’re less likely to open and close your fridge four times before lunch to see what’s inside.
5. Stay Hydrated
   From the moment you wake up, start drinking water. The more hydrated you are, the more energy you have. Plus, drinking is a simple and easy way to help control cravings for snacks and sweets and aids you in not overeating. Most times, when we think we are hungry, we are, in reality, just dehydrated. Pro tip–keep a water bottle with you at all times. If the taste of water doesn’t appetize you, there are several ways to make it enjoyable–add fruit or lemon to it or create cold or hot tea.
6. Plan Ahead
   If you’re traveling this season, planning ahead can make all the difference. Take some time to figure out what your options are so you’re ready for anything. If you have fitness equipment, make sure to pack it! If you’re staying with family or friends, research nearby gyms (we have 10 Centers throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania) or ask if they have any fitness equipment you can use. Making the commitment and planning ahead will make it easier to stick with it when you are traveling. Even if you cannot make it into the Center, we have options–use the Movofit App or Virtual Group Fitness platform for virtual workouts or classes, or schedule a Virtual Personal Training session with a trainer!
7. Get Outside
   Aim to get outside for at least 20 minutes each day. Spending time outdoors has been found to help relieve stress and anxiety, improve mood, boost feelings of happiness and well-being, and raise your Vitamin D levels, which keeps your immune system strong. So, in case you needed an excuse to take your conference call outside, here you go!
8. Schedule Exercise Time
   It is most likely that your schedule will be very packed this holiday season. Ensure there is time for your exercise by scheduling your workouts just as you would any other appointment. Commit to a Group Fitness class and work your other errands around it. Make time for you during the holiday of giving.
9. Mindful Eating
   Not only is food meant to be enjoyed, but it’s also there to help nourish your body and give it what it needs to function. Try and choose whole foods that you can eat in their natural state. During our busy working days and/or rushing in between shopping trips, family, and work holiday events, we must learn to hit the pause button during our meals and take the time to enjoy your delicious food! If you want to keep to those fitness goals, remember to pace yourself, select smaller portions, and eat slower.
10. Make Movement a Tradition
    Try starting a new exercise-oriented yearly tradition on top of spending time eating or drinking with family and friends. Sign up for holiday-themed or charity walks or runs, partake in morning or evening walks while taking in the neighborhood decorations, volunteer locally, attend sporting events, play active games (not sit-around board games), and much more! Get a little creative and get out and play!

We hope these tips help you stay on track this holiday season and allow you to focus on the most important part of the holidays — relaxing and enjoying the festivities with family and friends. If you don’t have time to go to the gym, make it a point to work out at home using our Virtual Group Fitness platform. Choose from a variety of live-streaming classes or pre-recorded on-demand classes.

Remember, if you do go overboard, you can come back from holiday over-indulgence and dive right back into your fitness routine at the Center.

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