Drop and give me 20 Mr. Grinch!

Posted: Thursday, December 16th, 2010 at 2:27 pm

The holiday season can be for many the most stressful time of year with many expectations wanting to be met.  While the media pushes a joyful holiday experience for many it is a time that can be filled with some sadness, isolation and at the very least pressure.  Even when times are economically strong the holidays can create tension.  One of the best ways to reduce anxiety during the holidays is to exercise.  I know, I just added to your stress level giving you another thing to add to your to do list, right?  But by making time to exercise you can actually enhance your outlook on the season as well as improve your physical and mental health. 

Unfortunately, the first thing I see people do to deal with the pressure of all the things that need to be done during the holiday season is stop their regular exercise routine.  This is the very thing you should not do.  Experts everywhere agree that exercise is one of the very best things we can do to deal with stress.  And in turn lower stress levels helps fight off depression and illness.  People start to focus on everyone else’s needs (getting presents and gifts, attending holiday parties, preparing the holiday meals, cookies, etc…) Actually it is a commendable attitude – to show your gratefulness to others but if it is at the expense of your own health then your loved ones probably will not get to experience your relaxed, stress-free and peaceful companionship, which is what they really want.  A great fantastic gift handed to you by a grouch doesn’t mean as much. 

With all the holiday eating exercise is even more important not only for the obvious in burning off the calorie intake but exercise also helps the digestive system which is being bombarded with high sugar, carbohydrates, and fat during the holiday celebrations.  Exercise helps get rid of toxins in the body and assists with fending off that sluggish feeling that usually follows all that eating. 

It is unrealistic to suggest that people do not partake in holiday goodies but keep a few things in mind when you do: 

• Alcohol is empty calories meaning the only thing you get when you drink (besides a headache) are the calories.  It provides no other nutritional value.  So limit your alcohol beverages. 
• Be choosey with where you put your calories.  If you really want the Christmas cookies have a few but then skip the holiday bread.  Don’t ‘sample’ everything on the table.  Choose what you really want and have it but then don’t go back for more. 
• Also don’t be caught in the leftovers.  Just because it’s leftover doesn’t mean you are the one that has to eat it.  Don’t guilt yourself with the ‘it’s just going to go to waste’ thinking.  Do you want it to go to waste or do you want it to go to your waist?   Leftovers of holiday foods usually means higher calorie intake.
• Another great trick is to use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate.  The size of dinner plates over the last several decades have increased to accommodate what people ‘believe’ is a normal portion size which mistakenly is really about 3 portions!  Don’t let the plate size dictate how much you eat.   
• Maintaining your weight during the holidays is about what it is always about during the rest of the year – numbers!  The number of calories you put in your body virus the number of calories you burn.  Weight gain is going to add to the pressure of the holiday and deteriorate your outlook adding to your stress so take note of what you eat. 

Fighting off the holiday blues, stress, pressure needs to start with each individual making the decision to take care of themselves for their own sake and for those around them.  Enjoy the holidays but don’t take a holiday from your own health – continue to make healthy choices such as exercise and be mindful of what you eat.  It will make for a happier season and a more joyful you.

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