Tips on Keeping Active During the Holidays

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. With a jam-packed schedule, family potlucks and seemingly-endless holiday travel, it's easy to push self-care aside. However, staying active during the holidays can help you avoid aches and pains, maintain your fitness routine and take better care of yourself into the new year.

Luckily, there are a lot of small ways to incorporate fitness during the holidays, so no matter what your schedule looks like, there is always an opportunity to stay active.

At The Steadman Clinic, our mission is “keeping people active.” With that spirit in mind, we’d like to share some tips for the holiday season:

 

Take a Walk After Dinner

Large meals are often a holiday staple, but they don't have to weigh you down. Walking after a big meal is a great activity that helps promote digestion and reduce bloating. And, what’s better than getting your steps in with friends and family? This year, take a few extra minutes after dinner to walk off any post-meal sluggishness.

 

Get Competitive with Family and Friends

No matter your age, there are always ways to fit in some family-friendly competition. Whether it's football, baseball, skiing — or even driveway classics like hopscotch and foursquare — make it competitive and make it fun! By getting everyone in the family together outside, from kids to grandparents, you'll get exercise without even realizing it.

 

Stay Active in the Car

Driving isn't exactly exercise, but that doesn't mean you have to sit still. On long drives, take turns driving to stretch and allow passengers the opportunity for some movement. Passengers can stay active during long road trips through small movements, such as reaching arm exercises (reach forward with one arm and grab onto the opposite leg, pulling it toward you—it’s a seatbelt safe movement). These small exercises in the car can help you stay limber and avoid stiffness from sitting for so long.

Consider listening to meditations for mindfulness, which not only keeps the mind active and connected to your body through breath and intention, but it’s also a great way to relax before beginning holiday festivities.

 

Take Advantage of Vacation Time

Vacations can be an ideal time to get active. Taking those trips outside of your hometown is a great way to see new landscapes, from sunny beaches to winter mountains. As an added bonus, many destinations offer scenic views with beautiful trails that are perfect for hiking or snowshoeing. A vacation does not need to be a vacation from activity, so use your new surroundings as inspiration for staying active during your trip.

 

Increase Your Daily Movement

Whether it's doing some squats or lunges while cooking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or getting up for a few minutes of desk yoga or aerobics, there are hundreds of easy activities you can incorporate into your daily routine. If you want to make these little changes even easier, try installing an app that reminds you to take breaks and do some exercise throughout the day.

Keeping active doesn't need to be hard or time consuming. In fact, smaller activities can be just as helpful for your health and fitness level as more rigorous routines. Plus, incorporating exercise into your holiday schedule means that you’ll enjoy family time in a unique way, explore new places, and really take advantage of the holiday season.

 

Visit The Steadman Clinic

The orthopaedic physicians at The Steadman Clinic are committed to keeping people active through personalized orthopaedic care and treatment. With just a few new activities, you can make a big difference in your health and happiness this holiday season.