Gift to Self This Christmas

Tis the season for helping others and giving. We all make giving to others and helping those in need a priority during the Christmas season. With that in mind, why should I be writing a blog article about giving to yourself? Because taking care of yourself throughout this time of year, rather than letting yourself go could quite possibly be the greatest gift that you could give to your loved ones.Why? Because when you feel good about yourself, then you will treat others even better. There is research to support this idea.One sure way to feel better about yourself is to go workout.“Exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Research on depression, anxiety and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help improve mood and reduce anxiety.”(1)Working out delivers a guaranteed mood swing to the positive. Stress seems to evaporate during and after a great workout. Don’t stop the workouts this holiday season! Keep your loved ones in mind and head to the fitness studio this year instead of letting the holiday season stress get the best of you. Give a good mood to yourself so that you can give more and do more for others this year.“But why does being in a good mood make us helpful? There are probably several reasons. For one, positive mood indicates that the environment is not dangerous and therefore that we can safely help others. Second, we like other people more when we are in good moods, and that may lead us to help them.” (2)Give yourself the gift of uninterrupted fitness this holiday season as a way to enhance your Christmas spirit of giving and helping others!Happy Holidays and Merry Fitness!

(1) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/ art-20046495

(2) http://open.lib.umn.edu/socialpsychology/chapter/9-2-the-role-of- affect-moods-and-emotions/