Putting the hustle into the Holiday bustle: ways to sneak in physical activity this December
viasport – The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) identifies the Holidays as a particularly stressful time for everyone.
And while it may seem more difficult than ever to fit in physical activity, it is just as (if not more important) to find the time than all other months of the year.
Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.
–Mayo Clinic
Sneaking in even small amounts of exercise can help decrease stress, reduce the impact of caloric indulgence and ease the feeling of isolation often associated with the Holidays.
But where does one find time for physical activity in an already maxed out December schedule?
Here at viaSport, we created a list of ways to sneak some physical hustle into the Holiday bustle:
- Shopping? Speed it up! Power shopping can raise your heart rate for a quick dose of healthy heart pumping activity.
- If you’re flying home for the Holidays, walk around the terminal while you’re waiting for your flight. Especially handy during those inevitable Holiday flight delays.
- Turn social outings into an active Holiday party like snowshoeing, walk & dine or skating.
- Walk around your favourite neighbourhood for a Holiday lights outing.
- Park a distance from every Holiday function to get in your extra steps.
- Have a handful of shopping bags? Take the stairs for extra impact.
- Shovelling your driveway? Squeeze in an extra 10 minutes by shovelling the sidewalk as well.
- Watching the Fire Log channel (because let’s be honest, we all do), do 10 minutes of activity in front of the TV like pushups, situps, jumping jacks and jogging on the spot
- Take your favourite Holiday songs out of the shower and into the streets – caroling with family & friends is a great way to get fresh air while walking
- Calling loved ones who like a long chatter? Use the opportunity to walk while you’re talking on the phone.
If you are interested in our complete list of ways to stay active this Holiday season or if you would like to speak to someone at viaSport, please contact me at lisah@viasport.ca or 788-655-1743.
http://www.viasport.ca/active-advent-calendar
Lisa Hsieh
Communications Coordinator
Suite 1351 – 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1T2
Direct 778.655.1743 Fax 888.316.3527 Toll Free 1.800.335.7549
www.viasport.ca