Aside from the colorful lights and decorations, one of the biggest signs of Christmas in the Philippines is the abundance of parties. From workplace get-togethers to family reunions, there’s definitely no shortage of celebrations during the holiday season.
Unfortunately, these
gatherings can throw a wrench in your health and fitness plans. With all the
delicious holiday dishes and drinks, late-night gatherings, not to mention food
gifts from your friends and loved ones, it’s tempting and easy to overindulge.
That said, with a little
creativity, flexibility, and patience, you’ll find that there are many ways in
which you can still stay fit and healthy during this festive season. Here are
some tips to keep in mind:
Get a Fitness Tracker
If you don’t have one yet,
the holidays are the perfect time to get a fitness tracker. This wearable
technology often goes on sale during this time of year, which means you can net
a lot of savings. If you need a little more wiggle room in your budget, you can
apply for an online loan Philippines’s
reputable lenders and fintech companies provide.
What’s great about a
fitness tracker is that it allows you to more closely monitor your vitals and
other important statistics, such as your heart rate, step count, and even your
sleep patterns. There are also more advanced models that you can use to track
performance for sports, like running, cycling, swimming, and hiking. You can
also set individual fitness goals per day. This gamifies your workouts, making
your overall objective feel more fun and achievable.
Get Some Exercise, Even in Small Ways
Your jam-packed schedule
may make it difficult for you to stick to your usual workout routine. Thus, be
prepared to switch some things around to make room for some exercise. If you
really can’t squeeze in an hour in the gym, remember that it’s better to have
exercised than to never have exercised at all. Even 10 to 15 minutes of
movement can make a difference!
You should also look for
opportunities to do some simple activities, like taking the stairs instead of
the elevator or going out for a walk for your afternoon break. At home, try to
perform some simple exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, and
planks for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Drink Water at Parties
When you’re thirsty, your
brain may sometimes interpret it as hunger. Thus, to keep yourself from eating
too much during parties, drink a glass of water first. This will keep your
stomach full, so you don’t end up overindulging in sinfully delicious food.
Besides, water is crucial for a lot of bodily processes like
●
lubricating your joints
●
maintaining a normal body temperature
●
protecting sensitive tissues
●
getting rid of waste like urine and stools
It’s also a good idea to
substitute your usual party drinks like soda, fruit juices, and alcohol with
plain water. This way, you don’t add any extra calories to your already
calorie-filled party food.
Don’t Say Yes to All Gatherings
During the Christmas
season, you may be invited to multiple gatherings. If you’re employed, your
employer will more or less host a party. If you have multiple friend circles,
each one may have its own holiday plans. This time of year is also a popular
one for family reunions; if you’re married, you may be invited to two or more
of such gatherings.
This jam-packed schedule
can make planning your workouts even more complicated. What’s more, it can make
you stressed and therefore more prone to health issues.
For your peace of mind,
remember that you don’t have to say yes to every invitation. You don’t even
have to explain yourself; simply decline in a polite manner and leave it at
that. It’s important to have some me-time for your health and sanity, so don’t
hesitate to say no when you need to. Besides, there are other opportunities to
get together—not just the Christmas season.
Sleep!
All of these gatherings
mean that you may not get enough sleep, which is definitely bad for both your
physical and mental health. Thus, it’s wise to limit your late nights and try
your best to turn in early. It’s definitely not as exciting as partying and
drinking, but you shouldn’t compromise your well-being for a couple of nights
of merriment.
Set Realistic Expectations
Lastly, you’ll feel
better during the holidays when you set realistic expectations. Accept that you
can’t be present at every single party and that you have to make changes in your usual schedule to make room for other
things. With this mindset, it’s easier not to feel frustrated. Ultimately, when
you don’t worry too much, you’ll be healthier!
The holidays are supposed
to be a happy occasion, but you can’t celebrate if you’re in a bad mood or are
sick. Follow these tips so you can stay in good shape and in good spirits, even
as your schedule gets busier and busier.
