Shelby Brawner, Extension Specialist
MOVE MORE. BE WELL.
If your holiday traditions all seem to revolve around eating, liven thing up with some opportunities to be physically active with family and friends.
- Go for a walk or run. Instead of heading for the couch after the big meal, bundle up ad head outdoors for some fresh air. Walking is an activity the whole family can do together, even the dog!
- Play to win. Start a new tradition of an annual family game of touch football, basketball, mini-golf or whatever your family’s favorite sport is.
- Make it move. Add movements and gestures to your favorite card or board game.
- Play in the snow. Go sledding, ice skating, skiing or snowshoeing. Build a snowman or now fort. Team up for an epic snowball fight.
- Break up the binge-watching. In between bowl games or your favorite holiday movies,take a walk or do something active.
If the holidays sometimes leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed, take care of yourself to stay well.
- Keep up healthy habits. Make a commitment to yourself before the holiday season begins. If you don’t completely give up your healthy habits, you won’t feel like you have ot start all over once the holidays are in the rear-view.
- Fit in fitness. Try not to skip workouts, but when a full social calendar gets in the way, sprinkle some healthy activity like walking into your daily routine.
- Give yourself the gift of peace. When the invitations pile up, don’t be afraid to say no to come of them. If you need some down time to recharge for the next party, take a break. Do something that relaxes you, like yoga, meditation, reading, a warm bath or spending time in nature.
- Get your ZZZs. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep wach night to stay in the healthy zone. Don’t let your wake-up time and bedtime get too far off your regular schedule. Nap when needed and ditch the digital devices at night.
