This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Running the Holiday Gauntlet? Here Are Some Tips to Help!

This time of year can be a huge challenge to our commitments to exercise and healthy eating. But with just a bit of prior planning... we can manage to enjoy them, too!

Remember the “good old days” when the winter holiday shopping season didn't start until after Thanksgiving? These days we're lucky when the stores wait until after Halloween to start dressing up holiday-cheer style!

But whether you or not you succumb to “Christmas Creep,” the fact is that the winter holiday season is coming up fast – and with it, all of the demands that contribute to holiday stress. Between shopping, work and social events, family demands, and the incessant ads telling us to “buy, Buy, BUY!” it can be difficult to feel as though we're keeping our heads above water – let alone taking care of our basic needs, like exercise, the way we usually do.

That's why we're including a link to this article from the Mayo Clinic on tips for preventing holiday stress and depression. It's a great list that you may want to tack onto your refrigerator this season and includes strategies for staying withing a budget, staying sane, and staying healthy.

Find out what's happening in Salinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It won't surprise RydeOn! clients to know that number eight on the Mayo list – “Don't abandon healthy habits,” is one of our favorites. In fact, we suggest that you sit down with the Mayo list and your day planner and follow tip number six – “Plan ahead” to make sure you schedule your time, holiday menus (including lots of healthy options), and exercise breaks now, before all of those additional seasonal demands make your choices for you!

Remember, exercise is a major stress-reducer! Whether you come for some Rydes, walk an extra circuit around the mall, or take the time to stretch every morning and evening – whatever you do, movement will not only lessen your stress, it will give you even more energy and help get you through your holidays with a smile.

Find out what's happening in Salinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Finally, while we definitely encourage you to maintain your healthy habits as much as you can no matter the season, we also know the importance of being realistic. Concentrate on holding the health and fitness ground you've already gained during the rest of the year – the winter holiday season is definitely not a good time to expect yourself to make any further major changes.

This time of year can be a huge challenge to our commitments to exercise and healthy eating. But with just a bit of prior planning – and by reminding ourselves that our health and fitness always counts – we can manage not just to survive the holidays but enjoy them, too!

Come Ryde with us this winter and peddle off that holiday-season stress! Just click here to register – we can't wait to see you!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?