Don’t Sacrifice Your Self Care During the Holidays!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? It’s also often the most busy time of the year. The most stressed time of the year. The most sleep deprived time of the year. The most time crunched time of the year…. And because of that, the most likely time of the year that we sacrifice self care; eating well, exercising, and relaxing.

Our priorities will change depending on our circumstances, and the holiday season is a prime example. It’s ok to deviate from your regular routine to accommodate increasing work, family, and social obligations. But maintaining some form of regular activity is especially important during times like this because it can help you:

• Maintain your momentum

• Maintain your current level of fitness

• Manage stress

• Manage blood pressure

• Manage blood sugar

• Sleep better

• Increase energy levels

• Alleviate pain

If you find it difficult to get in a planned 15-30 minute exercise session on a regular basis this season, try working in 15-30 1-minute intervals throughout the day. Here are several exercises you can do anywhere. Do them one or two at a time, sets of five, or whatever combination works for you. (And don’t forget the stretching, especially if you are sitting at a desk all day!)

• 1 minute stair climbing

• 1 minute wall squats

• 1 minute jumping jacks

• 1 minute bodyweight squats

• 1 minute wall, desk, or floor pushups

• 1 minute air squats

• 1 minute walk around the building

• 1 minute alternating lunges

• 1 minute resistance band upper body exercises

• 1 minute hamstring stretching

• 1 minute chest / shoulder stretching

• 1 minute calf stretching

Happy Healthy Holidays!!

The 5/10/15

Fuel, Energize, Unwind - on Your Time