Have you caught yourself saying or thinking that lately?  Especially this time of year, it is really easy to get out of the habit of doing certain athletic activities that we normally would do on a regular basis. There are deadlines to get things done before the start of the holidays, and to add to that, we try to shop and wrap and ship things on time – never mind actually taking time to enjoy all of the festive events that the next few weeks will bring!  What gives?!

Sadly, what often gives is our exercise routine. Sometimes changing up a routine is actually a good thing (breaking unhelpful habits and practicing flexibility can benefit some of us, some of the time). But for most of us, maintaining our ability to stay active is a really important part of both our physical – and mental health. Not devoting time to exercise can really impact our mood, and increase stress in what is already a really stressful time of year.

To our knowledge, no one has proposed a 25^th hour in the day just yet. So, until that happens, check out the tips below to help you to carve a little extra time for staying active this month!

Tip 1: Zoom from the outdoors

Depending on where you live (and the weather forecast), try taking a meeting on a walk!  Camera-off meetings are good opportunities to call in from the outdoors and sometimes, depending on the nature of the call and relationship you have with the attendees, even mobile camera-on meetings can be appropriate. In fact, sometimes taking a meeting while walking can be an effective way to model self-care for others.

Tip 2: When are you defaulting to transit?

Do you typically drive to a store that is not too far away, and could you consider jogging there instead?  Sometimes it means planning to bring a mask and wallet when you normally wouldn’t (and walking home if you are going to be carrying things) but taking stock of where we could walk/bike/jog instead of drive might be a quick fix to an otherwise sedentary day.  If you don’t mind showing up a little sweaty, running to an appointment (e.g., dentist, eye doctor) could be another option, rather than defaulting to public transit.

Tip 3: Bring others along

Getting together for a meal or beverage could just as easily be getting together for a more active gathering. If you have a friend or family member who might be game, try turning some social events into physically active meet-ups! It can sometimes be challenging to fit social activities into day-light hours but a lunch time meet-up for a walk/run/exercise class could be just the break you need, and company can keep us accountable.  Note that this tip could also be key if you anticipate a full home for the holidays. Too often, we under-plan physical activity when we have house guests. Where might you take people for a hike when they are visiting?!

Tip 4: Make your calendar work for you

We all set up meetings, but have you tried blocking your own calendar for exercise?  Sometimes blocking hours early in the day is helpful so you can accomplish it before the rest of the world comes calling. Regardless of when, if you have that hour scheduled, you’ll be less inclined to give that time away if a conflict arises. Building time in your calendar for exercise suggests that it is important to you. No better holiday gift to give yourself than making your time as high a priority as everyone else’s!

Tip 5: Get creative

Last but not least, get creative. Lifting that heavy coffee table book for a few reps as you are watching TV, doing a few squats while waiting for the coffee to brew, running around the field while waiting to pick up your kids, having a spontaneous dance party in the middle of Target.  Well, maybe not that last one, but you know what we mean. There are many minutes in every day that we can harness for exercise without feeling like we are making a huge commitment in time.

Good luck with all of these tips!  And in all of it, try to stay compassionate – you’re doing the very best you can in navigating the holiday season, and that’s all we can ask!

Beacon Physical Therapy

At Beacon Physical Therapy, we support our patients in leading a healthy life and establishing a healthy lifestyle. And remember, if you are having an issue, make an appointment today. We’d love to meet you and get you back to doing what you love.