It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but also one of the busiest! Staying active during the holidays can be difficult and can make it challenging to make time for physical activity, especially if you live somewhere cold and need to spend more time indoors.
Daily movement is so important, not only for physical health but for mental health too. Adults need approximately 2 ½ hours of physical activity each week and children need about 60 minutes each day.
Here are some tips to staying active.
1. Mindful movement.
This includes stretching, meditation, and yoga. This can all be done indoors and is something the whole family can do together! Yoga and stretching have many benefits both physically and mentally. Meditation is great for mental health and can help combat some of the stress the holiday season can bring.
2. Indoor family activities.
If you live somewhere cold, you’ll need to get creative on ways to stay active indoors! This can include having a dance party, hula hooping, or doing family workouts. Along with getting your body moving, this can help promote family bonds.
3. Bundle up for outdoor fun.
Although you’ll be spending more time indoors if you live somewhere cold, that doesn’t mean you can’t get some fun time outside! Put on your warm clothes and enjoy activities like sledding or building a snowman or snow fort (if you have snow) or take a walk, run, or bike ride as a family (weather permitting).
4. Regular screen-free family time.
This will get everyone up and away from the screens. Be sure to do something that involves movement like a family scavenger hunt, building a pillow fort, or play Simon says, Twister, or another game that involves movement.
5. Holiday Activities
Some other ideas to get moving during the holiday include special activities like ice skating, bowling, or a trip to the zoo, regular walks to look at holiday decorations, time at the park, playing an outdoor sport like flag football, soccer, or throwing a frisbee! And don’t forget, you can make chores fun and active by involving the whole family.
What are some ways you plan to stay active this holiday season?
