3 Ways to Stress Less this Holiday Season

By: Alexander Lavallis, ACSM EP-C, Exercise Physiologist

For most of us, these next few weeks will be filled with love, laughter, family, and friends, all accompanied by a fair amount of stress. You may spend all your time organizing and trying to prepare so all of your holiday festivities are smooth sailing. However, everything may not go according to plan. If your plans go awry, your stress levels can skyrocket, making a simple problem feel like a complicated issue.

To try and reduce the amount of stress you experience this holiday season, here are some fun holiday activities to help keep your stress levels low and your holiday cheer high.

1. Exercise to Holiday Music

Find a great holiday playlist that will not only push you to the limit, but also get you in the holiday spirit. One of the best things you can do is work up a sweat while listening to seasonal music. One of my personal favorites is “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey.

2. Dance to Holiday Music while Cooking in the Kitchen

Nothing feels better than making all of your favorite foods while getting your groove on in the kitchen, whether it’s mixing ingredients in the bowl to the beat of a song or dancing when the pie is finally ready. This is a great way to burn off some calories before you consume some more.

3. Get a Workout/Shopping Partner

What’s better than finding someone who can help you find great deals and stay active at the same time? This partner could be a family member, friend, or coworker to help you build a system of accountability for fitness and exercise.

If you need help developing an exercise program before or after the holidays, the exercise physiologists at Sheltering Arms can help! Visit www.shelteringarms.com/contact-us or call (804) 764-5275 to schedule an evaluation.

 

 

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury You May Not Know

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a forceful jolt, bump, or hit to the head. It can also be caused by a sharp object that pushes through the skull and into the brain. Such injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, sports, or natural disasters. For example, a concussion is a mild form of TBI; however, not all injuries to the head will cause a TBI.

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.