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Sneaking in Physical Activity during the Busiest Time of the Year

No matter how busy I am all year long, December is even busier. Along with work, family, and maintaining a household, there’s all of the prep and activities for the holidays. Yikes!

 

My physical activity can really suffer with all there is to do. I get in some exercise most mornings, first thing (I can’t function without that!), but when I’m on overload with things to do, regular exercise can go down the tubes. Not only can my physical activity for the week suffer, but without regular exercise, after a while, I’m not the most pleasant person to be around either! So, what’s an overly busy person to do? Short bouts.

I’ve found that when I take a break and exercise for even 10 minutes once or twice during the day it makes a huge difference. The calories I burn aren’t that high, but these little bouts add up over the course of a week. And, there’s much more to it. Exercising throughout the day, even if low or moderate intensity—e.g, .walking the dog, climbing the stairs, taking out the trash, pushing your toddler on a swing—helps you to stay fit, decrease stress, manage your weight more easily, and maintain or even improve your cognitive functioning.

So, when I find myself going into the pantry for the 4th time, then standing there trying to remember what I wanted to get, I know it’s time to take a 10-minute physical activity break. I love to go outside in my neighborhood or wherever I am, but I’ve also just walked around the house, or gone on the treadmill if the weather is bad or it’s too dark. I come back ready to take on the wrapping, or the cards, or the cooking, or the laundry, or the shopping, or the decorating, or whatever…

What are some of your favorite ways of sneaking in extra PA during busy times?
 

 

 

by NancyA on 12/21/2011 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: Weight-Loss, motivation, exercise, planning, mood, strategies, holidays

About the Author

NancyA

Nancy Adamczyk has been a Health Educator, trainer, and account manager with HMR for 25 years. She’s been keeping off 60 pounds for over 30 years and loves to help others achieve their weight and health goals.

Comments (2) Post a comment
Short bouts are essential for me as well. It's so nice to know that even on a ridiculously busy day i can still get in a full hour of PA with several bouts throughout the day...! Thanks Nancy!
by jennyb on 12/29/2011
Haha! I liked the part about knowing it's time for a bout when you are becoming forgetful or irritable :) I know my highest PA days are when I get at least 4 bouts in--3x 10-20 minutes and 1 longer bout at the gym/from a long run. A lot of my friends disregard a short walk because it seems like nothing or is "boring," but I think it definitely clears my head and makes me more mindful of my other health habits that I'm working on. Hope you have a happy Holiday, Nancy!
by sailGirl on 12/22/2011