The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it can also disrupt fitness routines. To maintain health and wellness during this festive time, Dr. Candace Mason, an orthopedic surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine, offers practical tips for staying active.
As the holiday season approaches, many individuals indulge in festive meals and break from their daily routines. “Once you get out of your routine, it’s very easy to have an ‘all or nothing’ mentality,” said Dr. Mason, who serves as an assistant professor in the Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery. She emphasizes the importance of small, manageable activities to combat sedentary behavior during this period.
Simple Strategies for Staying Active
Dr. Mason encourages incorporating physical activity into holiday plans. “If you can’t go to the gym during the holidays, create a makeshift gym out of the space you have,” she suggests. Simple exercises such as bodyweight squats, lunges, or even a short walk of about 10 to 15 minutes can significantly contribute to maintaining fitness.
Instead of remaining seated at holiday gatherings, she advises standing up and moving around frequently. “After you eat or have a big meal, go for a walk. If you are at a party, make sure you are not sitting down the whole time,” Dr. Mason advises. Involving family and friends in these activities can also enhance motivation and enjoyment.
Resistance bands can add variety to workouts. Dr. Mason recommends using them for exercises like bicep curls or tricep extensions. “Put the bands on your legs and do some bicep or tricep curls for your upper body. Lunges and squats are great for your lower body strength,” she notes.
Mindful Eating During the Festivities
In addition to maintaining physical activity, Dr. Mason stresses the importance of mindful eating. She suggests managing portion sizes, especially with holiday treats. If you crave a cookie or brownie, consider cutting it in half and saving it for later. This approach can help prevent excessive calorie intake.
Staying hydrated is another key recommendation. Dr. Mason advises focusing on water consumption over sugary holiday beverages like eggnog or hot cocoa. “You don’t want to drink your calories. Between meals, be sure to drink water. Prioritize drinking water to balance all of the sugary drinks you might consume,” she emphasizes.
By following Dr. Mason’s advice, individuals can enjoy the holiday season while staying fit and healthy. Engaging in physical activities and being mindful of dietary choices can contribute to a more balanced approach to celebrating this time of year.
