Healthy, Happy Holidays
Tips to stay healthy and delight in the holidays
December 17, 2018
As the holiday season approaches again (where did this year go?), some look forward to it, others dread it. Whatever your stance on how to tackle the holidays, and all the extra tasks we busy ourselves with this time of year – more visits with family and friends, baking, travel and shopping – sometimes taking care of ourselves becomes secondary.
Here are some tips and tricks from CGC’s Amber Allen, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, and Candice Brown, Fitness Programmer, on how to survive (and delight in) the holidays with your health and wellness intact.
Allow yourself some leeway.
Give yourself permission to enjoy yourself without guilt, it’s often the guilt that spurs us into a downward spiral of overindulging. Be mindful of what you are putting on your plate and in your mouth; listen to your body and not your eyes. Keeping your hands and brain busy with board games, cards, or taking a walk instead of a second helping, and enjoying the time spent with family and loved ones, or donating your extra leftovers to a shelter can help keep your pants from feeling tight after the holidays.
Resist the urge to hibernate…
Get your exercise from doing things you love; walk the neighbourhood with family to look at the decorations, or enjoy a good dance session around the house. Take a little time to get out of the house and drop by the CGC for one of our 75 drop-in classes, including our lunchtime Express classes. These 40-minute classes can fit nicely into a busy schedule, and you can attend as much of the class as you are able. Shorten up your workouts if you’re pressed for time, but make every minute counts.
…but make sure you do rest.
Set aside time to de-stress; take 10 minutes at home and find a quiet space and meditate or journal about the things you are grateful for. Recline on an exercise ball, or use a foam roller or therapy balls to knead out stressed muscles. The CGC offers self-care workshops and programs where members and non-members can learn various 5-10 minute routines that can be done anywhere.
However you celebrate this holiday season, choose activities that give you joy, and spend time with the people you love. Staying mindful and active throughout the busy season will set you up for a healthy start to the New Year.
Merry Fitness and Healthy Holidays from the Canada Games Centre!