10 Tips to keep moving during the holidays!

3 minute read
The holidays can be fabulous- but they can be stressful too! When it comes to stress management exercise and body movement can be a great way to regulate how you feel. 

Not to mention- exercise can help you... sleep better, increase self-confidence, improve your mood, aid relaxation, and lessen symptoms of mild depression and anxiety. 

Are you ready for my top 10 Tips to Keep it Moving during the holidays? Let's do this! 

1. Workout at home
This time of year can be hectic- if you can cut out the step of going to the gym that may help you feel less overwhelmed. Try doing a series of squats, deadlifts, glute bridges, lunges and planks at home. No weights? No worries! Try these moves with bodyweight only. 

2. Take it outside
Bundle up and get moving! Being in nature and in the outdoors (even if you're a city dweller) can alleviate stress and boost endorphins too. Make sure you wear weather appropriate gear and enjoy yourself. 

3. Offer a helping hand
Check-in with a neighbor or a local online group (like NextDoor or Facebook) to see if anyone near you needs help. Shoveling, bringing in groceries, hauling in packages- it's all helpful. Remember to stay safe and work with a trusted partner before volunteering. You can also check-in with local shelters and assisted living residencies to see if they need labor help. 

4. Have a dance party
Put on your favorite tunes and shake it! Whether you have a dance party in person or do a virtual one over video chat this is a fun and festive way to stay social and move your body too. 

5. Build in restorative time
Don't forget to stretch and foam roll during this time of year. Begin or end your day with some time spent unraveling your tight and sore muscles and you'll feel better in minutes. 

6. Pair up with a buddy
Most people struggle with stress and overwhelm in the winter and during the holiday season. Reach out to someone you trust to be text buddies with for the next month. Set weekly goals, check-in with each other and send funny gifs of your favorite funny movies (Buddy the Elf eating chocolate spaghetti anyone?!) You can even set up virtual movement dates where you move together on video chat to keep each other going! 

7. Do what you love
Stop trying to make workouts you hate happen. Lean into what you like- walking, lifting, stretching, dancing. Even if it's the same thing a few times a week...listen to your intuition and stop judging yourself when it comes to movement! 

8. Lower your expectations
So what if you only have 5 minutes to move in a day? Take that opportunity to exercise, celebrate your accomplishment (even if it feels too small to count) and enjoy yourself. 

9. Get comfy & feel cute
Wearing clothing that you are comfortable in can be the key to getting a movement session in and skipping it. If you haven't updated your wardrobe in a while now might be the best time to go through what you have and evaluate your options. 

10. Share your journey 
Connecting with others online or in-person can help you feel less isolated and alone. If you aren't into public sharing try gifting yourself a new diary and take time to document your day to day wins and acknowledgements. 

I hope these tips help! Be on the lookout for my "New Year, New You" tips soon.
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Lily Fontas, Ed.M is a diet-free fitness coach & helps busy people get strong and kick dieting to the curb. 

Lily has been featured as a wellness coach for Athleta, Title Nine Activewear, and works with clients worldwide. She is based in the Bay Area of California and lives there with her husband and two children. 

Follow Coach Lily on Instagram