Are You the Hostess/Host With the Mostest?

November 14, 2011

By Linda T. Gottlieb, MA, CPT, CET

It's that time of year again! The holidays are here with all the trimmings, family celebrations and gift giving frenzy. I see so many people strive to be perfect hosts, perfect guests, perfect chefs and search for the perfect gifts to give.

Yikes! It's exhausting!

The way I see it, the holidays are for reflection and relaxing, not rushing to the mall or fretting over cooking a turkey or ham. In my business, it is not unusual to have my clients cancel sessions from now till January, to attend office parties, shop till they drop, or perfect the latest holiday feast.

Then, when the clock ticks New Year, they decide it's time to get back on their fitness track; it's like starting all over again for many. The physical and mental toll of holiday time may be much more emphasized for cancer survivors or caregivers who find these times even more emotionally draining.

Fitness can help you through the next 2 months, allowing you to enjoy the gifts of the season (nope, not the newest video game or trendiest new perfume) but the scents of the pine trees in the forest on your walk, or the lights on the Christmas trees when you take an after dinner stroll.

Finding a yoga class or video that encourages meditation, mindful movement and passive exercise can save you stress when you are searching for just the right gift for your friends and family. Parking in the last spot at the mall adds healthful steps to your day instead of the stress of circling the lot over and over, scoping out a front row slot.

Fitness is literally everywhere; get creative! You don't even have to wait till December 25th to open the gift of increased physical activity.