Holiday Stress Management Tip #4
Exercise
I know many of you don't want to think about this until January 2nd, but it's even more important to work it into your schedule now. Here's why: Our bodies produce the hormone cortisol when we are exposed to stress. High levels of cortisol result in suppressing our immune system, which is something we can’t afford to have happen as we seek to stay healthy during this current surge in Covid-19 rates.
In addition, it can cause weight gain. That bloated belly that you usually notice on January 2nd is not just a result of all the extra eating. It also is a result of a build-up of the stress hormone cortisol. Exercise serves to burn off excess cortisol. Another reason exercise is so important during the holidays is that it produces endorphins. Endorphins elevate our mood and help us better manage our stress. Unfortunately, exercise is often the first thing to go during this busy time. However, this is the time we need it the most. The key to making an exercise routine stick is to do something you enjoy. Here are some suggestions:
Join CrossFit, a gym or a boot camp class
Attend exercise, yoga or Tai Chi classes at local community or fitness centers
Exercise at home to a DVD or YouTube video
Join a team
Swim
Dance
Lift small weights
Walk around the block or on a treadmill
Sign up for a 5K
Try a mud run
Hike
If you are currently exercising regularly, keep up the great work! If not, aim to build in some extra movement for 30 minutes 3x a week. It can help you limit or prevent weight gain. Additionally, you will feel better about yourself and have more energy to enjoy the holidays. Why not give yourself the gift of exercise this holiday season? You and those around you (family, friends, co-workers) will reap the benefits. I encourage you to give these ideas a try and would love to hear how it goes. Please contact me if you would like to learn more about my stress management workshops for employees or individual resilience coaching. Wishing you all the best for a peaceful holiday season!
Janine Friedman, Owner and founder of Choice Training and Coaching Solutions, Inc. is an executive and leadership coach and holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation from the International Coaching Federation. She empowers executives to improve their performance, address their challenges, and achieve their goals through customized coaching and training. To learn more about her background click here.
To schedule a conversation to discuss these ideas further, click here.
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