Cookies, cakes, and pies, oh my! The holiday season is back, bringing loved ones together once again. As cheery of a time as this can be, it can be easy to let your health and wellness be put on the back burner for good food, traveling, and catching up with friends and family.
So, members of our Wellness staff throughout our Association are here with some tips to stay ahead of the game and help you prioritize your health this holiday season!
DARNELL GARLAND, HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTOR, MAPLEWOOD FAMILY YMCA & THE YMCA AT INNOVATION SQUARE
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, gatherings, and winter weather, it can be easy to become frazzled when our routines get thrown off. Take five minutes to scan your body for any tension and let it go. Or better yet, schedule yourself a silent night of whatever helps you decompress.
AMY JO BUGENHAGEN, HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTOR, SANDS FAMILY YMCA
Add H2O! It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated when it’s cold out and you’re moving quickly from one holiday party to the next. Many times, we feel hungry but may just need to hydrate. Keep a water bottle (holiday-themed ones are encouraged!) with you and drink often. Sparkling, festive seltzers and flavored water with fruit are other fun ways to stay hydrated, feel good, and enjoy the holiday season.
MATT PAGANO, HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTOR, SCHOTTLAND FAMILY YMCA
Explore and incorporate healthier alternatives into traditional holiday recipes. For example, you can go with roasted garlic mashed cauliflower rather than roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or you could go with a lean protein option for your holiday dinner like salmon, chicken, or turkey rather than beef or ham.
JEAN CALDER, GROUP EXERCISE COORDINATOR, THE THURSTON ROAD YMCA NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Move! As we enter into the colder months, you may find it a little harder to get motivated. However, on those dreary days, just move!
Make it fun! Remember: all daily movements make a difference. Even the smallest amount of physical activity can improve your overall health. So, when you’re home and you just happen to be watching your favorite holiday movie with your family, get up and dance during that commercial break!
SARAH LANE, HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTOR, WESTSIDE FAMILY YMCA
Don’t let a bad day become a bad week or month. We are in the midst of a busy season, and we can anticipate missing a workout and enjoying some yummy indulgences. Don’t let a misstep derail you. When you get busy, remember that even an abbreviated workout is better than none!
JASON NILSON, HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTOR, CORNING FAMILY YMCA
Here's a short and sweet one; any safe workout is a better than no workout. But the right workout for you is the ideal workout. Now get out there, and get moving!