I love the Christmas season! It is the most wonderful time of the year. You can hear me singing the song, ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’, throughout the months of October, November and December. It is the most wonderful time of the year, yet it is also one of the busiest times of the year, as we all try to fit in shopping, parties, church activities and family visits. During the holiday season, my school sports and the soccer club that I play with, all take a hiatus.
My grandma loves to bake, and I love to eat her baking! Yet, with all of this holiday celebrating, and trying to fit everything in to a few short weeks, how do I plan on fitting into my clothes after the celebrations are over? Here are some tips that I recommend you try doing during the holiday season to keep you fit and active, even when all you want to do is curl up in front of a fire, and sip hot chocolate.
- Find time every day or every second day to workout, even if it is not your normal 30-45 minute routine. Take a few moments to do some crunches, or planks. When you are out shopping, walk briskly around the mall, or take an extra lap around it. Make a few extra trips up and down the stairs each day. Normally if you would ask family members to help you transport items from the main floor in your house to your second floor, instead, do it yourself. Walk to places instead of driving. Try to get fit in two 10 minute brisk walks each day.
- Plan to encourage yourself. Make a list of ‘to do items’ each day. Have working out as one of the items on your list. Once you have accomplished it, you can then check it off your list. Checking items off of our ‘to do lists’ is very rewarding. Reward yourself once you have completed your workout, by saying kind and motivating words to yourself such as, “great job”, “I knew you could do it”, “I am proud of you”, “I believe in you” and “you are important”.
- There is strength in numbers. Recruit people to help support you with your holiday fitness plan. Tell your friends and family members about the plans you have to continue a fitness routine, even if it is a modified version of your normal one. Request that they send you a text message once a day to ask how your fitness workout went. Invite them to join you. They will be happy that they did!
Here is a YouTube Clip of Andy Williams singing, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year:
I encourage you to play the song as you work out over the holidays. It will motivate you, and put a pep in your step! Most of all, enjoy this fantastic time of year with family and friends!
