Healthy (and happy) Holidays!

It's here!  The Holiday Season! Each year it seems to get here a little earlier than the last year. You get through Halloween, you turn around, and there's Thanksgiving. And then the rest of the holiday season whizzes by you so fast, your head is spinning on New Year's. And that's before you open the champagne!  Here are some tips to keep you running smoothly through the holidays.

Tip #1: Make an appointment. The first thing to do before the season gets away from you is to realize you just won't be able to get as many runs in, or run as long, as normal. Between the parties, the school plays, gift shopping and family gatherings, you just won't have the time. Before things get out of control, add an item to your to-do list: run. Even if it's just for 20 minutes, it's something. And there's nothing wrong with making a date with your running shoes. It's just as important as your grandma’s holiday gift exchange. 

Tip #2: Be flexible. While you need to make an appointment with your running shoes as often as you can, you have to be able to juggle things around a bit. Going for a run will just have to take a back seat to your child's holiday pageant. But that doesn't mean you should forgo running entirely.  It means you should try to do it another time. Perhaps in the morning before work, on your lunch break, or once the kids are in bed. And if none of those options work, take 5-minute breaks throughout your day to do a few lunges here and a few squats there. And throw in some push-ups and crunches for good measure. You’ll get a full-body mini-workout that keeps your energy up for all those holiday obligations.

Tip #3: Be creative. Need to run some errands? Do it! Run to the post office to mail your holiday cards. And who says you have to run to work out? Do some laps around the mall as you do your holiday shopping. Add some dance moves as you push the vacuum around the house. Do squats while folding the laundry. It may sound kooky, but you'll still burn more calories than sitting on your you-know-what. If it makes you feel any better, we have regular dance parties at our house. The whole family (including the dog!) gets in on the action and shakes and shimmies for a little while. It’s dorky but lots of fun. Think of us dancing right along with you and you won’t feel so silly.

Tip #4: Stay home. If trying to fit in a trip to the gym is too much, stay home and work out to an exercise DVD. You can rent them from Netflix, or borrow them from the library, so there's no need to buy new ones. In fact, many cable companies offer exercise videos/routines through their On Demand system, most of which are free to subscribers. Don't want to exercise with the TV? Do the push-ups and crunches mentioned earlier. Throw in some squats and you have a full-body workout.

Tip #5: Stay calm. Physical activity is a well-known stress reducer.  Want to stay sane this holiday season? Stay active. Want to stay healthy? Get moving. Research has shown for decades that physical activity is not only a proven-stress reducer, but it can also aid in the prevention and treatment of chronic illness such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Move it or lose it.

By paying attention to your schedule, planning ahead, and being prepared for the inevitable shuffling around of schedules, you can definitely stay on track this holiday season. And you won't have to make that dreaded New Year's Resolution to be more active. You are already there!

Happy running!

Jennifer Gill, MPH, is an RRCA-certified running coach and the Founder and President of Sole Health and Wellness, a wellness company based in San Diego, CA. Sole Health and Wellness offers individual, community and corporate-based running programs designed to help individuals get more active, get healthier and live happier lives! For more information, check out www.solehealthandwellness.com or email jenn@solehealthandwellness.com.