Last Updated on December 1, 2015 by Michael Brockbank
I have a hard time trying to maintain the right mentality for the holidays. Between the snow, the cold and not wanting to get out from under the blanket, it’s difficult to keep going. However, it’s something that needs to change unless I want to actually gain weight this month instead of losing it. I need to avoid certain mental traps or I’m going to remain a skinny person trapped in a fat man’s body the rest of my life.
Changing the Way You Look at Fitness this Winter
I am a firm believer that you don’t need to make fitness a chore to be maintained like housecleaning. I’ve never been one to watch exercise videos or join groups at the gym. In fact, the only reason why I go to the rec center is to use the weight training units. I’d much rather have something like a bow-flex at home. If you have mental blockages like I have during the winter, you don’t want to do anything. It’s not entirely due to laziness, however. The holidays are a stressful time for a lot of people – which can directly affect your both physically and mentally.
In order to keep on with the fitness, you need to force yourself to change the way you look at the winter months. You can’t fall into lazy eating or being content with snuggling on the couch for hours on end watching Netflix. You need to continue monitoring your intake and doing what you can to burn the calories.
Ways to View Certain Holiday Situations
The holidays have a lot of aspects that seem like mind-numbing chores. However, they can be viewed in a way to keep your body fit. If you have a Fitbit Charge HR, keeping track of these activities is much easier while giving you data concerning how well your doing on physical activity. How can you change your way of thinking when it comes to one of the busiest times of the year?
Shopping
Christmas present shopping can be fun, for a while. Eventually, you’ll start thinking, “I just want to be done.” Think of it as a walk to vastly increase your step-count. Most experts believe that you should have at least 10,000 steps in any given day to keep your body fit. That’s roughly 5 miles worth of walking depending on your physique and height. I never get 10,000 steps because I work and play at my computer. The more time you spend on your feet, the more calories you’ll burn.
Snow Shoveling
Shoveling the snow can seem like a tedious activity – especially when you live in an area that experiences constant snowfall. Instead of relating the activity to a chore, realize that you can burn an incredibly number of calories during this activity. As soon as we get more than a flurry here where I live, I’ll be conducting a study for the number of calories burnt. Don’t be afraid to work up a sweat…it’s all about keeping yourself mobile.
Hanging Up the Lights
A lot of people don’t really view hanging lights as a chore. In my family, we love the glitter of Christmas. In fact, my mom goes all out and has tens of thousands of lights lining the house every year. Decorating the property keeps you active. Depending on the extent of the decor, you may work up a decent sweat. Just be careful when hanging lights from high places. You don’t want to spend Christmas in the hospital or in a cast.
Keep the Mentality for Being Healthy
It’s difficult for many people to stay motivated during the holidays. I’m not just talking about keeping physically fit as your mental state controls half of your actual personal health. It’s a very stressful time of year. You need to find ways to center yourself and reduce your tension. Driving, shopping and merely being outdoors can make things far worse thanks to the condition of the roads and the frenzy of gift givers. Ways that I deal with the holiday season are:
- Meditation – Works exceptionally well when done correctly
- Taking deep breaths when faced with difficult situations
- Keeping in mind that other people are feeling anxious as well and may not have the ability to relax
- Scheduling outdoor activities such as shopping during non-peak times – such as shopping during normal work hours
- Working out at home regularly – exercise is a great way to get endorphin pumping and releasing tension
Winter is one of the worst seasons of the year. Not only is the body working to keep you warm, but the stress of the holidays can easily compound various circumstances. Do what you can to relax and maintain physical and mental fitness. The only one who can improve your life is you.