December is the month when many of us notice that our routine starts to fall off the rails! The days are shorter and we often feel sluggish. The social calendar starts to fill up and many of us fee the pressure mounting as we manage the expectations of the holiday season. All of this makes things harder for so many parents to make time for their workouts, but this year we encourage you to do December different!

Consistent Exercise during the Holidays Helps to:

1. Keep your energy up! December can be A LOT! We know. Between the social parties, school plays/concerts, family & friend visits and work socials most of us need a nap mid-month, but hear me out! Keeping up with some of your regular fitness routines will actually give you the energy boost you need to make it through all of the activities scheduled this month!

2. Banish the bloat. I love to enjoy all the bits & bites (especially my aunt’s homemade recipe…) that the holiday season brings, but sometimes this makes me feel a little bloated and uncomfortable. Staying active (and keeping up with your water intake) can help reduce that feeling so you can enjoy your fav holiday treats. Remember, exercise is the super helpful BFF to your digestive system.

3. Sleep More Deeply. Staying physically active tires our bodies in a different way! There’s the mental exhaustion many of us experience during the holidays, but this type of fatigue doesn’t often lead to good sleep. Just 30 minutes of movement can help you sleep more deeply! Keep it up during December to enjoy a more beautiful slumber.

4. Boost your immune system. Cold and flu season is definitely here (and with a vengeance!). Although staying active and exercising doesn’t totally protect us, it is a known immunity booster. It’s even better when we’re eating well, staying hydrated and getting good sleep!

5. Sweat off the Stress. Families have a lot of balls in the air and perhaps a lot of the tasks during the holiday season default to YOU. Exercise boosts your endorphins (aka those happy hormones) and reduces your stress hormones (cortisol). The reduction in cortisol also helps you sleep better (see tip #3).

6. Carve out some time for you. Learning to prioritize yourself, especially during busy seasons, is super important! Adding your workouts to your family’s calendar keeps you at the top of your own wish list and reminds everyone that you are important too!

7. End the year feeling great. People are always waiting to begin things in the New Year, but we think it’s far more effective and motivating to end the year on a high note!

8. Protect your mental health. Be a winter warrior and have a plan! One of the best ways to combat the winter blues and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is to have the right tools in place. Regular exercise is a low-cost/high-reward strategy to keep your well being and your brain health strong. Some of these low cost activities might include walking, hiking and at home workouts. We love the time saving commute to our LIVE online classes! Our members have become so much more consistent at maintaining a regular routine with the help of our virtual studio.

9. Maintain your routine. Consistency is key… all year round! We all feel better when we know what to expect and when. Routines and predictability reduce stress and anxiety levels. In fact, it’s even more important to stick to your routine as much as possible during busier seasons. You work hard to maintain routines for your kiddos because you know it‘s important to their well being. Don’t be so quick to write yourself off!

10. Embrace exercise as a GIFT. Look at all the amazing things you accomplish each day, day in and out. You are a wonder of physical strength. Moving your body is a gift of self-love when you do it for the right reasons.

No matter what you have planned for the holiday season, it’s important to set realistic and achievable expectations. If you’re used to working out 5 days a week, aim for 3 days. Commit to shorter workouts or incorporate family and social time with a walk. We hope this post inspires you to stay active and moving this December. Do you have some great tips to share about how you manage a modified schedule during the busy seasons of your life? Drop us a line and let us know!

Interested in joining us? Our classes are a great way to meet other new parents. FITMOM Ottawa has been operating in the National Capital Region since 2005. Our community is a thriving and welcoming space for you and your littles. #startwithus and #growwithus by purchasing one of our class passes. We can’t wait to have you join us!