Staying Active During the Holiday Season: A Guide to Balance and Movement

The holiday season is in full swing, and while the days are filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and festive treats, it’s easy to let your healthy habits take a back seat. But staying active during the holidays is not about being perfect—it’s about creating balance. A week out from Christmas is the perfect time to focus on maintaining movement, so you’ll feel strong and ready to embrace the New Year without the pressure of starting from scratch.

Here’s why sustaining your habits now matters and how to keep moving, no matter how busy your schedule gets!

Why Stay Active Through the Holidays?

The holidays are about joy, connection, and gratitude—but they also come with stress, indulgent meals, and disrupted routines. Keeping your body moving can:

• Boost Your Energy: Regular movement helps combat holiday fatigue.

• Reduce Stress: Exercise releases endorphins, your body’s natural stress relievers, which are especially helpful during the hustle and bustle.

• Aid Digestion: Physical activity supports digestion and prevents the sluggish feeling that comes with rich meals.

• Create Momentum for January: Building habits now makes it easier to tackle your goals in the New Year without feeling like you’re starting from zero.

Holiday Workout Ideas: Indoors & Out

No matter where you’re celebrating, there are plenty of ways to fit movement into your day:

Indoor Workouts

1. Holiday Dance Party: Turn up the Christmas playlist and dance around your living room. It’s fun, family-friendly, and sneaks in cardio.

2. Bodyweight Circuits: Try 15-20 minutes of bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, and planks. You can do this between gift wrapping or while watching holiday movies.

3. Yoga or Stretching: Roll out a mat and focus on stretching or yoga to unwind and improve flexibility. Apps like Yoga With Adriene have quick, beginner-friendly sessions.

4. Stair Climbing: If you have stairs, take a few laps up and down for a quick cardio burst.

5. Holiday Cleanup Workout: Tidy up with purpose—turn cleaning into movement by vacuuming or mopping with added effort.

Outdoor Workouts

1. Neighborhood Walks: Stroll around to admire the holiday lights. Bonus: This doubles as a mental health boost.

2. Winter Hikes: Bundle up and explore local trails or parks to enjoy some fresh air.

3. Play Outside: If there’s snow, try sledding, snowball fights, or building a snowman. They’re not just for kids—they burn calories and lift your spirits!

4. Run or Walk Before Meals: A brisk walk or jog before a big holiday meal helps you feel energized and keeps your metabolism humming.

5. Community Events: Check for holiday fun runs or fitness challenges in your area.

Tips for Sticking to Your Routine

• Make It Manageable: You don’t need to do an hour-long workout. Even 10-15 minutes a day of intentional movement makes a difference.

• Get Creative: Use what you have—water bottles for weights, stairs for step-ups, or a chair for tricep dips.

• Be Flexible: If your regular routine isn’t possible, find ways to incorporate movement into your day. Running errands, playing with kids, or doing chores counts!

• Prioritize Consistency Over Intensity: Showing up for yourself, even in small ways, is more important than trying to do too much and burning out.

• Buddy Up: Grab a family member or friend for a workout. Accountability makes it more fun and keeps you on track.

Don’t Wait Until January

It’s tempting to say, “I’ll start fresh in the New Year.” But here’s the truth: waiting often makes starting harder. By keeping movement part of your holiday routine, you’ll enter January feeling ahead of the game, not overwhelmed.

Consider this: studies show that creating small, consistent habits leads to sustainable success. Moving your body daily—even for five minutes—builds momentum and reinforces the mindset that you’re prioritizing your health.

Finding Balance

Staying active during the holidays isn’t about perfection. Enjoy the cookies, spend time with loved ones, and indulge in traditions. But balance the indulgence with movement that makes you feel good. The goal is to create habits that last well beyond the holidays, so you can feel your best all year round.

A Simple Challenge

Set a goal to move your body for at least 20 minutes each day between now and New Year’s Day. Whether it’s walking, dancing, or stretching, commit to consistency. Write it down or track it in an app, and celebrate every day you show up for yourself.

Let’s End the Year Strong!

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of wellness. Keep moving, find joy in your workouts, and step into the New Year feeling empowered and ready to take on your goals. Remember, the best workout is the one you didn’t skip—so start small, stay consistent, and keep showing up.

You’ve got this!