Hi Fit Moms!! Are we ready for the holidays?? Oh my gosh! So much to do and too little time to do it! Making time to cook, shop, decorate, entertain, shop, sleep, etc (did I say shop??), is challenging in itself. And, as ones who run our households, we’re expected to do it with a smile on our face!! Haha! I know during this time I get super stressed! However, the BEST thing for us to do during this time is to be able to let off some steam! Even though I’m the busiest during the end of the year, I make sure I find time for myself. It’s healthy for our bodies to be able to step away from the stress and find time to exercise! Exercise is one of the best “stress relievers”.
Okay, so I can hear you all asking the same question…”When are we supposed to find this ‘extra’ time for ourselves?” Well, the truth of the matter is, just like any other time of the year, you have to schedule it! Look at your weekly schedule and find time blocks throughout your week where you can fit in 20, 30, or 45 minutes of exercise. Believe me….YOU CAN!! If weight loss is important to you, you will find time!
Try waking up 30 to 45 minutes earlier a couple times a week and get outside for a jog. This is also a great way to clear your head before your day gets crazy (it will also give you that extra energy you’re gonna need to have through your day!!) Get with a friend and do a yoga class together before that Christmas shopping trip. This is a great time to start thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions if they pertain to your weight loss. Don’t think you have to wait until January 1 to get started….start now! Trust me, if you focus on your healthy eating and exercise routine now, you’ll be way ahead of the game!
I understand that your time is more limited now than normal to squeeze in a sweat session, so make the most of it! Try jumping rope for 10 minutes 2 or 3 times a day in your garage. While you’re slaving over the stove cooking dinner for 15 people or baking treats for your kids’ teachers, stop every 5 minutes and do 2 minutes of jumping jacks. Fitting in these types of explosive exercises is going to boost your heart rate and your calorie burn! It’s okay if you can’t get an hour to an hour and a half of straight exercising, these short bursts have their benefits too!!
In my household, I used to do all the Christmas shopping, and the food shopping, and the decorating, and the Christmas card sending….but I have come to enjoy sharing that responsibility with my husband. I’ve let go of the “control freak” inside, which now allows me to have more breathing room. Ask your significant other to help with some of the responsibilities around the house, so you can have some time to exercise. Heck, if you have older kids, they can help too!
One last piece of advice….breathe and smile! You’ll get through these holidays just like the rest of us 
Make working out a priority and you’ll find the time!!
Merry Christmas to all you Moms and blessings for a healthy 2012!!
Orange County, Ca
