The holiday season presents a challenge when deciding to take a break from our exercise routines, it's a time when we tend to indulge in delectable treats and spend quality time with family. The idea of taking a break from your exercise routine may seem tempting, it's important to consider all sides.
Regular exercise has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, such as improving heart health, reducing stress and anxiety, and boosting mood and energy levels. When you take a break from your routine, you may experience a decline in these benefits, and it may also be more challenging to get back into the swing of things once the holidays are over.
Nevertheless, it's essential to listen to your body and prioritize rest and recovery when needed. It also depends on the type of program you have been doing and your reason for exercising. Some benefit from less pain due to keeping the body moving, or they love the community connection of people they exercise with and there is also the ability of the movement practice to help diminish Stress. Which can be high during the holiday season.
Ultimately, the decision to take a break from your exercise routine during the holidays should be based on your individual needs and goals. If you do decide to take a break, try to incorporate other forms of physical activity into your routine, such as going for a walk, picking a movement to do a day (ex: plank, squat, bridge, single leg balance) or practicing breathwork and nervous system regulating movement to reduce stress. These can all support you in maintaining your fitness level and support your overall health and wellbeing.
Want to keep moving and be in community during the holidays? Check out Patti's Fiercely Independent Movement Collective.