Exercise Makes All Things Merry and Bright

Exercise makes all things Merry and Bright?  You bet your jingle bells it does.

Holiday seasons are packed with fun and excitement but they can also be full of stress, poor eating habits and even depression.  We can avoid the common headaches of the holidays by making sure we schedule in regular exercise sessions.  Exercise and happiness are directly linked.  There is real scientific evidence to support that exercise can improve conditions related to stress and anxiety. “The American Psychological Association analyzed 80 studies of exercise and depression and found that all types of exercise reduced depression to some degree.”   Exercise can benefit you in so many ways.  Just think of those benefits as extra Christmas gifts you will receive just by being active.

*        You’ll enhance your metabolism-Very important with all the extra food temptations out there.

*        You’ll reduce stress and anger-Very important when fighting for the perfect sweater on black Friday.

*        You’ll improve concentration and memory-Very important so as not to forget someone on your list.

*        You’ll increase energy levels-Very important to cover each store in the mall.

*        You’ll increase confidence and self-esteem-Very rewarding with a sense of accomplishment after each item is crossed off your list.

*        You’ll improve your immune system-Very important because many tend to share their germs as well as their gifts during the holidays

*        You’ll improve and tone your body-Very important to look good in the new swimsuit your significant other is going to give you along with your 2-week Hawaiian vacation.

*        You’ll also help prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, strengthen bones, help with weight loss and weight maintenance, improve quality of sleep, improve balance, coordination and agility, reduce high blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol. 

Let the gift giving begin.  Get out there and exercise during the holidays.  The gift of longevity and health will be better than anything you’ll find under your tree.