With Thanksgiving behind us and just a few more weeks until the holidays are officially upon us, it’s not surprising that we’re starting to feel slightly more stressed than usual.

While the holiday season is a cheerful one, it sure does add a bunch more responsibility to our already jam-packed schedules.

But let’s focus on the positive: regardless how many Christmas cookies you need to bake or Chanukah gifts still left to buy, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. That’s why all of us at Dr. Gena  Chiropractic want to make sure you feel your most wonderful, too!

One way to ensure the holiday havoc doesn’t take its toll on your mind, body, or spirit?

EXERCISE!

It’s no secret at this point that exercise and getting enough movement is crucial to both your physical and mental well-being. Moving your body helps release endorphins, the feel-good hormones in the body. During the holidays many people feel extra stressed. Between holiday parties and forced family time (which, surprise, surprise, isn’t everyone’s favorite time) and all of the many drinks and sugar-eating opportunities, stresses pile up – FAST. Now is when it is especially important to get moving and keep your sanity as you enter the holiday season, rather than waiting for it to end to make a resolution for better health.

The bottom line is, movement is key. While joining a gym or hiring a trainer does make staying committed to an exercise plan a bit easier, there are plenty of ways to ensure your body is getting the movement it needs to function optimally.

Here are four ways to get moving without having to make yet another commitment this holiday season.

1. Get off the couch

Even if you’re not a fan of hitting the gym or signing up for a series of workout classes, a brisk walk around the neighborhood is sometimes all you need to help you let go of the stress of the day and unwind peacefully before bedtime. The weather is slightly cooler now, there are beautiful decorations to look at, and the kids may even want to join you!

2. Take the stairs

At work, at the mall, in your apartment building – take the stairs. The elevator may be quicker and less exhausting after a long day, but just a few minutes of heart-pumping stair climbing will do your body good! In fact, just 5-minutes of stair climbing will help you burn almost 50 calories as you tone your legs and butt.

3. Skip the cart and pick up a basket

You will no doubt be hitting your local grocery stores frequently in the next few weeks. Instead of feeling guilty that your after-work activity involves food shopping rather than working out, turn your errand into exercise! By swapping a cart for a basket, you’ll be burning calories while working those arms and shoulders. Make sure to maintain good posture and ergonomics to avoid straining your neck and back, and you can feel confident in knowing that you just burned almost 70 calories by food shopping!

4. Hit the dance floor!

With all of the holiday parties in your horizon, there’s bound to be some good music. Use this as an opportunity to leave the shyness behind and shake your stresses away with your friends, loved ones, and children. Even if it’s only for a song or two, dancing will get your heart rate up and keep your blood flowing – and that’s crucial to ensuring you stay healthy throughout the holiday season.

According to Dr. Gena, an avid fan of exercise and movement (and dancing!), “Drop the cookie, get up off the couch, stop looking down at your phone, and walk around the block. Harder does not always equal better. You can thank us later.”

To keep your body in tiptop shape throughout any season, visit your favorite family chiropractor in Plantation, located just minutes west of Fort Lauderdale.

Happy Holidays, now get moving!