The holidays came and went so quickly! And while they always bring a sense of joy and fun – they also bring on the dreaded extra weight that comes with eating and drinking too much and not moving enough!
Here are some quick tips and exercises to help keep you in shape and feeling energized as we head into into the new year.
- Drink more. More water, that is! Water can help keep you hydrated (dehydration can be a huge energy zap as well as a cause of a myriad of other issues such as dizziness and headaches). Water can also give you a sense of ‘fullness’ – meaning you might not feel like eating another cookie after drinking 8-10 oz.
- Get down & get up! Yes, you heard right – get down on the floor and get back up. This is actually a great way to keep the joints lubricated and ease overall stiffness in the lower back and legs. Cross one leg back and behind the other (like a curtsy) and lower to the floor onto your butt. Uncross, recross the legs the other way and stand up (optional to use the hands on the floor or your thigh).
- Jump! Jump for joy, do jumping jacks, bounce, shake, dance – MOVE! Get up out of the chair and do a ‘silly dance’ – whatever ‘moves’ you, do it! I like to stand up and with the knees slightly bent (in a tall,
straight posture), begin to bounce in little oscillations for 30-60 seconds. If that feels awkward, then do jumping jacks or run in place – anything that will get you up and moving and elevate the heart rate a bit.
4. Stand up – against a wall for 1-2 minutes several times a day. Start with the feet about 4-5 inches away from the wall and then lean the rest of your body/trunk and especially head against the wall. Roll your shoulders back and broaden the “smile” of your collarbone.
5. Just take a breath, then another, and another. Focus on saying “inhale” as you fill up and “exhale” as you let it go. Try starting with a count of 5 breaths and work your way to 10, focusing on saying inhale/exhale or a mantra of your choice. Not only will you relax, you will feel more energized and awake!
