The Gift of Movement: Simple Ways to Stay Active This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a wonderful but busy time, with packed schedules, colder weather, and tempting treats. All of this can make it easy to let your exercise routine slide, but the good news is that you don't need long gym sessions to stay active. It's all about finding simple, enjoyable ways to keep moving and feel your best.

Below are some practical and creative ideas to help you stay active and prioritize your well-being during the festive season. From quick workouts to turning family traditions into active fun, these tips will help you feel energized and balanced.

Tips to stay active during the holidays

Staying active during the holidays is one of the best and most important gifts you can give to yourself. It will help to boost your energy, reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you get more movement in this holiday season.

With just a little planning, you can find time for movement even with a packed schedule. Here are a few possibilities:

• Embrace short workouts: You don’t need an hour at the gym if you’re pressed for time. A 20-minute at-home workout, a quick yoga session or even a brisk walk around your neighborhood can do wonders.
  
  
• Start your day with movement: Try a few morning stretches or 10 minutes of cardio to set a positive tone for your day.
  
  
• Schedule: Add exercise to your calendar, like any other appointment. Treating it as a priority, even for just 15 minutes, helps you stick with it.

The holidays are all about spending time with loved ones, so why not make that time active.

• Take a post-meal stroll: After a big holiday meal, invite everyone for a relaxing walk to enjoy the festive lights and decorations. A 10–15-minute walk after meals can lower blood sugar spikes by up to 30%. Staying active can also help control blood pressure during the high-salt holiday season.
  
  
• Play active games: A friendly game of charades can get everyone up and moving.
  
  
• Make decorating an active event: Focus on tasks that keep your feet firmly on the ground. Placing ornaments on the tree at eye level, arranging table settings, or standing while wrapping gifts are great ways to keep moving without the risk of climbing ladders.

If your holiday plans involve travel, here are some ways to add movement to your itinerary.

• Pack portable fitness gear: Resistance bands are lightweight and easy to pack.
  
  
• Explore on foot: Walking or biking is a great way to see a new place, or revisit a familiar one, while staying active.
  
  
• Use your hotel room: Many apps and online videos offer guided workouts you can do right in your room. You can also look for hotels that offer fitness rooms and indoor pools for even more options.

Even on your busiest days, you can still find opportunities to be active.

• Move while watching TV: Do gentle stretches or light exercises during your favorite holiday movie.
  
  
• Walk while you talk: When on the phone, use the time to pace around your house. Every step counts.
  
  
• Use waiting times: While waiting for cookies to bake, try doing a few squats or calf raises.

The holidays are a time for giving, and one of the best gifts you can give yourself is the gift of well-being. Staying active not only benefits your body but also supports your mind and spirit during this busy season.

Remember, staying active doesn’t have to be perfect or look the same for everyone. Whether it’s walking with friends or a quick yoga session before bed every bit of movement counts. Choose activities that bring you joy and fit seamlessly into your holiday plans. Above all, keep it simple, and have fun discovering little ways to move more while savoring the magic of the season.