Well, the Holidays are almost upon us and if you are anything like me…you are thinking about some of those delicious holiday treats and holiday gatherings with family and friends. Almost every event that you attend over the next several weeks will tempt your will power!!
With all of the holiday hustle and bustle, exercise is often one of the first things to be cut from your busy routine. But remember even walking as little as 10 minutes a day can have a beneficial effect on your blood sugar, blood pressure, waist-line and cholesterol numbers. How about taking a little walk before company arrives or before you leave for that holiday gathering? Even 10-15 minutes out enjoying the holiday decorations will rejuvenate you and burn some calories.
Physical activity is not only good for you physically, but it is also good for stress relief. Here are some holiday/ winter time activities to consider:
Heart Healthy Activity Tips:
1) Participate in outings that involve physical activity like skiing, sleigh riding, ice skating and walking.
2) At the shopping malls park in the furthest spot from the store to increase your walking.
3) Go window shopping and enjoy the holiday decorations. Take your pedometer with you and count your steps. Aim for 10,000 steps per day!
4) Dance at holiday parties.
5) Schedule exercise/physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise increases your energy level!
6) Take the dog for a walk and enjoy the holiday decorations in the neighborhood.
7) Go Christmas caroling (again walking is one of the best exercises).
8) Cut down your own Christmas tree.
9) Take the stairs whenever possible instead of elevators and escalators.
Don’t get frustrated if you cheat on your diet or miss some of your exercising this holiday season, remember tomorrow is another day and New Years is just around the corner. Consider setting a healthy but “realistic” New Years resolution. Happy Holidays!
Visit www.heart-strong.com for more health and wellness tips. Looking for a healthy stocking stuffer or small gift for a co-worker, friend or relative check out our two heart healthy books “Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart” and “Take Charge: A Man’s Roadmap to a Healthy Heart” available at www.heart-strong.com or www.amazon.com
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