December can be a wonderful time of the year. You get to spend time with your family and friends, relax at home or perhaps take a vacation, and of course enjoy delicious holiday treats. But – it can also be the time where the healthy routines you established earlier in the year can fall by the wayside. You may be attending lots of holiday parties and eating less healthy foods and enjoying a few too many drinks. You may be taking some much-needed time off work, which can impact your normal exercise, diet, and sleep routine. The colder weather may make you less inclined to exercise – especially outdoors. Whatever the reason, it can be hard to stay motivated during the holidays and to bring a healthy start into the New Year. And for those who are struggling with chronic pain, especially caused by conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, it is crucial you try your best to stick to a healthy routine.
As our gift to you - here are some helpful tips for staying on top of your health routine in December and beyond!
Keep on a Schedule
Get a Workout Buddy
Mix it Up
If you find yourself dreading your normal workout – try something new! If you normally use an indoor treadmill – try taking your walk or run outdoors. There are millions of online workout classes on YouTube or other subscription services, browse around and see what looks interesting.
A Shorter Workout is Better Than No Workout
Some exercise is always better than no exercise at all. Even if you can only manage a 20-minute walk, you still got up and got moving! Use shorter, higher intensity workouts to burn significant calories and target specific muscle groups in less time. Any amount of regular exercise can go a long way to help manage your chronic pain.
Gear Up for the Weather
The idea of heading out for a morning run in colder temperatures can make you want to stay snuggled under the covers – especially if you don’t have the right workout clothes. Invest in a good base layer, jacket, and the right accessories that will keep you warm while you exercise (and eliminate one excuse for not working out).
Everything in Moderation
The holidays can be full of temptation – freshly-baked cookies, hot cocoa, mulled wine and more! You don’t have to completely avoid everything delicious, but exercise moderation and use good judgment to enjoy your favorite things – responsibly.
The most important tip for the holiday season is to enjoy your time with your loved ones. Try your best to stay healthy – but make sure you are enjoying this wonderful time of year.
If you have back pain, joint pain, neck pain, or any other type of pain that’s impacting your ability to enjoy the holiday season, give us a call or you can request a consultation and we’ll discuss your options.