MBOMBELA – The festive season is upon us and it can be easy to over-indulgence in food, alcohol, and lazying about.
Bryan McLachlan, CEO at direct life insurer Instant Life, says it is a time to enjoy yourself and have fun, but it is also important to keep maintaining a balanced eating and exercise plan.
“Indeed, while you’re away from work and have time to spare, you have the perfect opportunity to embrace a healthier lifestyle before it’s time to make your New Year’s resolutions for 2016.”
He shares his top tips for a fitter you over the December holidays.
1. Get your body moving
Take advantage of your time off work and get in a couple of hours of exercise each day. If you’re going away and don’t have access to your usual gym or golf course, make a point of going for a walk in the forest or for a jog on the beach.
Walk rather than drive to local shops and restaurants. Who wants to spend our beautiful December days and evenings in a car? If you have children, try to keep up with them for a real fitness challenge. You’ll be amazed at their energy levels and how much fun they have.
2. Depressurise
If you don’t need to commute each day, you’ll be able to have a bit of a lie-in each morning and ensure that you get a good seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Take in some fresh air, relax with a book, spend quality time with your children, and go for long some relaxing walks in the countryside.
3. Eat healthy food
Though many of us see the festive season as a time for feasting, it is actually the perfect opportunity to embrace better eating habits.
If you’re not constantly on the rush and on-the-go, you have time for wholesome home cooking rather than relying on the work canteen or takeaways.
Cooking at home can be fun when you’re researching new recipes, shopping for fresh ingredients, and preparing delicious meals with your family.
4. Drink in moderation
Alcohol is one of the biggest health and safety risk factors over the Christmas season, so drink in moderation.
It is a major factor in many road accidents, so don’t chance drinking and driving, even if you’ve only had a drink or two.
5. Ask Santa for a fitness tracker
If you want to set fitness goals and stay motivated, why not invest in a fitness tracker? The great thing about these devices is that they can add some fun into your fitness routine by letting you gamify your progress and share your stats with your friends.
Why not give your spouse or a friend a fitness tracker, too? Don’t be too surprised to find out that certain life insurers give you a better premium if you share your fitness tracker data with it.
