Winter Sedentary Lifestyles: How to Combat It and Enjoy the Holidays in a Healthy Way

The cold season is here, and with it comes not only celebrations, hearty meals and gifts, but also one of the most sedentary times of the year. Between the cold, the vacations and long family gatherings, many of us fall into the trap of sitting for longer than usual. It is normal for the rhythm of life to change during December, but that does not mean that we should abandon our healthy habits. If we do not want to start the year with a few extra kilos or with little energy, it is crucial that we become aware of how to avoid a sedentary lifestyle during this season. Why does sedentary lifestyles increase in December? During the holidays, our daily routine is altered. We spend more time at home, in front of the TV or at family gatherings where food is the protagonist. Long shopping days or traffic on the streets also motivate us to sit more than usual. This change in habits can result in a vicious circle: less physical activity, more sedentary lifestyle, less energy, and more desire to eat high-calorie foods. Added to this is the cold weather in many regions, which invites us to spend more time indoors, and the constant temptation to “relax” during the vacations. However, this lack of movement not only affects our physical condition, but also our mental health, which can be altered by the inactivity and stress of the end of the year. How to combat sedentary lifestyles in December The good news is that there are easy ways to stay active this month without sacrificing fun and enjoyment of the holidays. Here are some tips to reduce your sedentary lifestyle and maintain your well-being: Make exercise a social activity Family parties and social gatherings are an excellent opportunity to get moving. Suggest an after-dinner walk or a game of soccer or volleyball. If you live somewhere cold, why not organize a dance competition at home? You can create fun moments that will not only help you stay active, but also strengthen your bonds with loved ones. Take advantage of shopping breaks If you're doing last-minute shopping or decorating the house, try incorporating short active breaks. Take a short walk around the store, or if you're at home, do some stretches or a set of squats while the coffee is brewing or the oven is running. No need for a long workout; just a few minutes of activity every hour can keep you from being inactive. Exercise at home If you don't have the time or inclination to go to the gym, don't worry. There are many options for staying active at home. You can do yoga routines, pilates or strength exercises like push-ups, sit-ups or squats. Even a 20-minute routine a day can make a big difference. Set small goals During the holidays, your schedule will probably be full, but setting small, achievable goals will help you stay motivated. For example, if you can't exercise every day, set a goal of 3 times a week. If you only have 10 minutes, spend it on simple activities, such as walking up and down stairs, walking or stretching. Make it fun The key to staying sedentary is to find activities you enjoy. Do you like music? Organize an afternoon of karaoke with friends or family, or go for a walk while listening to your favorite songs. If you're more enthusiastic about outdoor activity, take advantage of sunny days to go hiking or jogging in the park. Watch your diet A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet go hand in hand. While it's hard to resist the temptations of the season, don't forget that balance is key. Try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals, choosing healthy options among the typical treats. It is not necessary to deprive yourself of sweets and family dinners, but it is important to moderate portions and balance with physical activity. The important thing is consistency Remember that the goal is not to over-exercise, but to find a balance. The key is to keep your body moving, even if it's just small changes.