by Grace Souter

With the holidays right around the corner, we all have plenty to think about – travel plans, gift purchasing, decorating, and visiting with family.  During this time of year, many people have a tendency to put themselves and their own well-being last, at the bottom of the priority list.  While it is admirably unselfish to do so, such thinking and behavior can be rather unhealthy.
Although the holidays are presumed to be full of cheer, for most people the holiday season brings stress and fatigue.  There are endless reasons for holiday stress, but much of it stems from our tendency to put too much pressure on ourselves. We take on additional responsibilities while sleeping less and sacrificing exercise and personal relaxation time.  The majority of us are also eating more unhealthy foods such as candy and baked goods, and drinking more soda and alcohol. All of these habits contribute to the physical and emotional stress on our body and create a compromised immune system. The end result is you coming down with illness at seemingly the most inopportune time.
Exercise is the single most beneficial thing you can do for yourself during the holiday season and winter months.  Exercising will not only help you burn off the additional calories you consume throughout the holidays, but it will boost your metabolism, and often, your mood.  Many people feel guilty when they overindulge, which can lead to depression and even more negative behavior.  Some evidence suggests that exercise raises the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise may also boost feel-good endorphins, release muscle tension, help you sleep better, and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also increases body temperature, which may have calming effects. All of these changes in your mind and body can improve such symptoms as, anxiety, stress, and fatigue that accompany many people during the holiday season.
If you are not a regular exerciser and are unsure of where to begin, come on in to the Spa and schedule a session with a personal trainer. An hour long session is only $50, and in that time our trainers can determine your level of fitness and design a workout regime that is ideal for your particular concerns and goals. Now is also the ideal time to join Spa Koru as a member. From now until December 31, six-month memberships paid in full come with a $25 gift certificate to Spa Koru, and when you purchase an annual membership in full you will receive a $50 gift certificate!
This year, head into the holidays with a plan to stay fit and healthy. By being proactive and taking care of your body ahead of time, you are less likely to become overwhelmed by stress and sicknesses, and you will finally be able to enjoy the Holiday Season in good spirits!

> See all of our Specials!