Food is a key component of the holidays. Regret, too. Eat a few huge meals, next thing you know you've put on the weight you were hoping to take off!
The weight won't come off overnight, but you can make yourself feel better emotionally right now--by exercising.
No, I'm not talking about training for an Ironman triathlon or heading to the local track for a half hour of wind sprints. Even if it’s only for 20 minutes, you really just need to get yourself outside and enjoy some fresh winter air! Your heart, and mind, will feel instantly better.
Suggestions:
- Go on a hike or neighborhood walk with friends and family. Pick up
pine cones and fresh greenery along the way to decorate your table.
- Take a stroll with your loyal dog.
- Take a walk through the city streets to enjoy the holiday window displays.
- Dust off your
mountain bike and hit a recreational or rugged dirt trail.
- Go out to a park and play some Frisbee, or kick a ball around with your kids.
- Sign up for a local 5k and walk or run it all the way through the finish.
- If it’s a nice day, rediscover that
tennis racquet in your garage and play a few sets with a friend.
- For the rainy days, go on a trail hike. Try and get extra muddy like you loved to do when you were little.
- For the snowy days, romp through the snow and build snowmen that look like some of your relatives.
No matter the activity, just make the point of getting outside! If anything, it creates more memories than you get from just watching TV. And if you have had enough of Uncle Billy and Cousin John, it will serve as a great way to have some quality time by yourself.
Unlike all those big meals, just remember that getting outside never results in any regrets!
