Who has time for exercise in December when we barely have enough time to get all the  entertaining, shopping, decorating and cooking done?  Yet, it’s the time of year we can certainly benefit from a healthy dose of physical activity for its stress relieving properties (in case you might be feelin’ a little about now)! Exercise also  helps with  sleep (something I welcome when hectic schedules and stress kick in), and can be a reminder to stay on track with healthy eating (cause ’tis the season when good eating habits take a nose dive.)

But your already overscheduled, right? Yea, I know, I get it!!!  For time savings during the holidays (or any days), integrate activity into your everyday life. Here are some simple ideas: take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk during your lunch break,  walk while on  your cell phone, park a little further way from work, school or shopping and walk an extra 15 minutes; or walk your dog.  The last example works best for me. I have found nothing better than Brody, the brown nosed retriever, to help keep me accountable to daily exercise, even when I’m crunched for time.

So instead of waiting until January to get motivated to exercise, do  it now! If you need a little extra incentive, make a new playlist to accompany your exercise or use mine, inspired from this season of the voice:

‘The Voice’ Inspired Playlist

No Woman No Cry, Bob Marley 7:09

Wagon Wheel, Darius Rucker, 5:47

Let her Go, Passenger, 4:15

When I Was Your Man, Bruno Mars 3:58

Nothin’ on You,  Bruno Mars, 4:15

More Than a Feeling, Boston, 4:46

Unconditionally, Katy Perry, 3:57

I’m not Ready to Make Nice, Dixie Chicks, 3:49

Done, The Band Perry, 3:40

Shameless, Garth Brooks, 4:34

Carry On, Fun, 5:45

Not Over You, Gavin DeGraw 3:37

Rich Girl, All and Oates, 2:24

When a Man Loves a Woman, Percy Sledge, 2:52

Sharp Dressed Man, ZZ Top 4:31

Angel, Sarah McLachlan, 5:35

 

How do you integrate exercise into your daily life?