Fight Holiday Stress With Exercise

The holidays can be a stressful time for a lot of people. Unpleasant memories, too much responsibility or family conflict can lead to increased tension during the holidays. Remember, holiday stress can negatively affect your weight by causing emotional eating. Exercise can play an important role in reducing this stress and elevating your mood. Here are some suggestions.

• Do a little extra shopping at the mall. Get in as many steps as you can during your trip.
  
• If pressed for time, remember that a shortened workout is better than no workout at all.
  
• If you live in colder climates, take advantage of the winter season by exploring cold weather activities, like cross country skiing or ice skating.
  
• Recruit a friend or family member to workout with you.
  
• Sign up for an organized fitness event, like a 5k or a charity walk.
  
• Try to maintain your regular exercise schedule as much as possible.