The Season Is Not the Reason (to Stop Exercising): 4 Benefits to Keep Moving

During the holidays, everyone gets so busy and sometimes healthy habits get thrown by the wayside. But, when you are so busy and stressed is exactly when you need to stick with your routine, according to Dr. Donna Perillo, DC, CNS, NMD; creator of “Arthriticise for Low Back and Neck Pain,” “Decrease Stress and Anxiety in 21 Days,” and the “Habits of Healing” podcast.

Did you know that when you stop your regular exercise, your body de-compensates and there are negative physiological effects? That’s right—you start to lose some of the positive effects you worked so hard to achieve!

Her advice: maintain your exercise routine. Here are her 4 reasons to keep your fitness routine going during the holidays.

Reduces seasonal depression and anxiety.

Shorter days and less sunlight cause many people to suffer with depression and anxiety. Exercise produces the release of encephalons and endorphins, which help to keep
the mood uplifted.

Decreases the holiday stress level. 

Holiday shopping, going to parties, increased entertaining, and financial pressures only add to the stress. Exercise helps your body to deal with the pressure on a physiological level.

Boosts the immune system. 

The stress of the holidays can really run you down and the last thing you need is a cold or the flu.

Helps stop weight gain.

With all the social events that take place during the holidays; it is difficult for most people to maintain their present weight. Daily exercise helps to keep that in check.

Don’t let the season be the reason to derail your fitness goals. Bonus: Enjoy those extra merrymaking calories guilt-free!

Dr. Donna Perillo is DC, MS, NMD, CNS, is the owner and director of the Chiropractic Healing Center of NJ, a wellness center incorporating chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, nutrition, and stress management. Her goal is to help her patients create a happy, healthy and vibrant lifestyle by addressing their physical, emotional, and nutritional needs. Here, she weighs in on a common, frustrating topic for caregiver and child alike—eating, and the often lack of variety in the diet of a child.

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The Editorial Team at Lake Oconee Health is made up of skilled health and wellness writers and experts, led by Daniel Casciato who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We aim to provide our readers with valuable insights and guidance to help them lead healthier and happier lives.