A lot of stress is harmful to your health. And of course the Holiday Season can present a wide variety of sources to increase our stress levels. But there is one thing we should always remember: we are in control of our bodies and, consequently, we can decrease the stress we feel as well. Several studies in the past decades have shown that exercise can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety we feel in everyday life.

This week, we are not going to have an assigned exercise. I am going to ask that you use movement as a way to reduce stress. You should not wait to actually become stressed before you start to move (though exercise often helps in reducing stress even after its onset). Pre-empt feeling stressed by planning to move about for at least 30 minutes a day! Remember, you don’t have to jog or swim laps to make exercise effective at alleviating stress.

What types of movement are recommended? Really, anything. Walking, leg lifts, sit ups in bed, arm twists, moving about in water, dancing around the house with friends or family or enjoying some movement with children. These are just a few ideas, what can you think of that you would enjoy? Get creative, don’t be afraid to be silly and find some joy in movement!

Enjoy the rejuvenation that exercise brings to you and observe how your stress levels are down due to the movement of your body!

Andrew is a Certified Personal Trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He teaches people to listen to their bodies and helps them thrive as they find the connection between health and happiness.

If you are interested in a free fitness consultation, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), and he will be delighted to teach you how to start enjoying fitness and making it a part of your life.