Endless holiday activities are enough to stress out the best of us. So what can you do to calm down and reclaim some peace and quiet for mind and body?
Exercise. Just by moving your body for a short period of time, you release “happy” hormones into your bloodstream, affecting your mood and changing the way you feel for the rest of the day.
Here are three trainer-recommended exercise solutions to beat your holiday stress.
Running
Hit the track, the local trails or your indoor treadmill to get your legs moving and your heart pumping.
Get started
Find a great place to run that is aesthetically pleasing, and choose a not-so-busy time (you’ve seen enough crowds already). Make sure to wear a watch to keep track of your time and distance. If it’s too snowy outside, find a treadmill or indoor track that suits you.
Benefits
Increased hormonal release to your brain causes you to feel happier and more relaxed following a run, says running expert Jason Karp, PhD.
Holiday time commitment
Run for a minimum of five minutes at a time, but Karp recommends at least 20 minutes to get the maximum benefit. Try to get in at least one run a week.
Group exercise class
If you can’t get motivated on your own, let someone else take the reins and put you through a great workout.
Get started
Go online and check out your local community and fitness centers. Most will have their group fitness class schedules posted on their website. Find a date and time that works for you and show up!
Benefits
Moving to music makes you feel happier, and moving for at least 30 minutes will give you an endorphin rush. When you’re at an exercise class, there’s no time to think about shopping or lists.
Holiday time commitment
Most classes run at least a half hour; expect to commit to one hour. Going two to three times per week is most beneficial.
Weight lifting
Nothing burns off stress—and builds strength and stamina—like pumping some weights at the gym.
Get started
If you’ve never lifted weights before, request a free orientation from your local community center gym or fitness center. Start with lighter weights and do 12 to 15 repetitions. Pick eight to 10 exercises for your total body and do two sets of each exercise.
Benefits
Lifting weights can improve your mood and help relieve stress by increasing happy hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine. Increased lean body mass helps you burn more calories at rest, resulting in a healthier body. Weight training can also help you sleep better—something that stress can disrupt.
Holiday time commitment
Give yourself at least 20 to 40 minutes to get through your exercises, twice per week.
