December is the month when many of us notice that our routine starts to fall off the rails! The days are shorter and we often feel sluggish. The social calendar starts to fill up and many of us fee the pressure mounting as we manage the expectations of the holiday season. All of this makes things harder for so many parents to make time for their workouts, but this year we encourage you to do December different!

Read on for 10 reasons why you should stay active during the festive season!

1. Keep your energy up! December can be A LOT! We know. Between the social parties, school plays/concerts, family & friend visits and work socials most of us need a nap mid-month, but hear me out! Keeping up with some of your regular fitness routines will actually give you the energy boost you need to make it through the month!

2. Banish the bloat. I love to enjoy all the bits & bites that the holiday season brings, but sometimes this makes me feel a little bloated and uncomfortable. Staying active (and keeping your water intake up) can help reduce the bloat so you can enjoy your fav holiday treats. Remember, exercise is the super helpful BFF to your digestive system.

3. Get Deeper Sleep. Staying physically active tires our bodies in a different way! There is the mental exhaustion many of us experience during the holidays, but this type of fatigue doesn’t often lead to good sleep. 30 Minutes of movement can help you sleep more deeply! Keep it up during December to enjoy a beautiful slumber.

4. Boost your immune system. Cold and flu season is definitely here and although staying active and exercising doesn’t totally protect us, it is a known immunity booster. Especially when we are eating well, staying hydrated and getting good sleep!

5. Sweat off the Stress. There are a lot of balls in the air and a lot of the tasks during the holiday season default to YOU. Exercise boosts your endorphins (your happy hormones) and reduces your stress hormones (cortisol). The reduction in cortisol also helps you sleep better, see tip # 3.

6. Make time for you. Learning to prioritize yourself especially during busy seasons is super important! Adding workouts to your families calendar keeps you at the top of your own wish list and reminds everyone you are important too!

7. End the year feeling great. People are always waiting to start things in the New Year but we think it’s far more effective and motivating to end a year on a high note!

8. Protect your mental health- Be a winter warrior and have a plan! One of the best ways to combat the winter blues and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is to have the right tools in place. Regular exercise is a low -cost/high-reward strategy to keep your well being and brain health strong. Low cost activities include walking, hiking and at home workouts. We love the time saving commute to our LIVE online classes. Our members have become so much more consistent at maintaining a regular routine with the help of our virtual studio.

9. Maintain your routine. Consistency is key- all year round. We all feel better when we know what to expect and when. Routines and predictability reduce stress and anxiety levels. In fact, it’s even more important to stick to your routine as much as possible during busier seasons. You work hard to maintain routines for your kiddos because you know it‘s important to their well being. Don’t be so quick to write yourself off!

10. Embrace exercise as a GIFT. Look at all the amazing things you accomplish day in and out. You are a wonder of physical strength. Moving your body is a gift of self-love when you do it for the right reasons.

No matter what you have planned for the holiday season it’s important to set realistic and achievable expectations. If you’re used to working out 5 days a week, aim for 3 days. Commit to shorter workouts or incorporate family and social time with a walk. We hope this post inspires you to stay active and moving this December. Let us know how you manage & modify your schedule even during the busy seasons of your life.

Fitmama Strong Durham has been operating in the Durham Region since 2010. We offer prenatal fitness, prenatal yoga, babywearing fitness, stroller fitness, live-online classes and and on-demand library of workouts. Our in-person and online community is a thriving and welcoming space for you and your littles.

#startwithus and #growwithus by purchasing one of our class passes. We can’t wait to have you join us! (formerly FITMOM Durham)