(12/2020) The Holidays are almost here. What comes with holiday planning? Schedules, cards, shopping, family gatherings and of course stress. While we look forward to the fun things that come with Christmas we also have to deal with the harder chores. This year there seems to be even more to deal with because we are all trying to stay safe. Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is always a challenge and this year that is no different. The harder thing this year is that many people are trying to avoid going in stores unless they absolutely have to. Thank goodness for online shopping.

Online shopping is great in many ways but one thing it is not good for is getting your exercise. Sitting and finding the perfect gift is sometimes a long process. We don't always realize just how long we have been on the computer looking for gifts and ideas. Many people are on their phone or computer for hours a day anytime of the year. Now they are sedentary even longer because of shopping and searching for ideas for family and friends. I don't really have a way to keep moving while you are shopping online but my suggestion is to take a break every 20 to 30 minutes and walk around the house. An even better idea is to take a short walk outside and get some fresh air if you can. This may help clear your mind and maybe you will come up with more ideas for gifts for the people on your list.

Taking a walk, no matter how short it may be, is a great way to relieve some of the stress you may be facing because of the shopping and busy schedule you have during this time of year. This year has already brought more than normal stress and challenges. Holiday stress is added and that can be hard to cope with. Taking time for yourself is essential to help you get through all the responsibilities and added things this season brings. Another way to find calm and relieve stress is taking a few minutes to take a deep breath and think of something you enjoy. Thinking about a fun activity or a place you like to visit will clear your mind and release endorphins that will make you happy. Meditation is a great way to clear your mind and lower that racing blood pressure. Many people think you need to meditate for a while but the truth is you can simply clear your mind and breathe deeply and slowly for five minutes. You can do this anywhere. You do not have to be alone in a quiet place to benefit from meditation.

Combining meditation and walking is something people do not think about often. I took a course on Mindful Meditation and that was something I learned. Walking meditation was one of the methods we practiced. I found it very calming and helpful. Being silent and concentrating on breathing sometimes makes me more anxious. Walking and looking at nature was a pleasant way to slow my breathing and only think about what I saw.

During this busy season, try to find a few ways that you can relax and enjoy the good things. Family, friends, food and sharing is what the season is all about. Love is something we all look for and this season is the time to share it with as many people as possible.

Just a note for the future, I will be holding my annual open house in January. Of course, this year will be a little different. I will be making appointments so everyone will be safe and still have time to talk about what they are looking for. I will be glad to answer questions you may have on how you can start or improve an exercise program. The date will be in the next edition of the Journal so think about joining me. Information and gift certificates are also a great Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one.

Remember to keep moving and Have a Merry and Safe Christmas.