The Enjoy Movement Christmas Message

One of the good things that has come out of 2020, is that many more of us now recognise the power of movement and exercise.

In case you needed reminding (I’m sure not many of you do!):

·       Exercise increases our energy

·       It transforms negative emotions into positive ones.

·       It helps us cope with stress and anxiety

·       And of course it is great for our physical health!

It really is the most reliable and effective self-help tool.

So how can this help you over Christmas?

It has been an odd run-up to the end of the year. I am tired and ready for a break, with no Christmas parties or nights out to brighten up the calendar. More than ever I want to switch off and take a break.  It is all too tempting to spend the next fortnight on the sofa, finishing everything on Netflix, and barely moving from the room.

However, I know that the best way to look after myself is to get my movement fix as much as I can.

This is my own personal affirmation for Christmas.

I hope many of you will have some much-needed time off from work, there will be more flexibility and free hours for you to try something different. Try a new class (they are still taking place outdoors in all tiers). run an unfamiliar trail route, or practice some yoga poses.

Find a way to keep moving which is fun and sustainable.

Each morning ask yourself ‘How can I move today?’ Listen to your body, move intuitively and do what feels right for you. It really will make you feel better.

The other thing I want to emphasise is to Be Gentle With Yourself. All too often we lurch from the joys and indulgences of Christmas to puritanical regimes in January involving food restrictions, juice diets and brutal workout plans.

There is a better way.

Please don’t beat yourself up about what you consume over the festive season – we need to give ourselves permission to enjoy the wonderful food and drink that Christmas brings. Instead, focus on keeping active.

Get out each day to make the most of the fresh air, get your body moving and try some new things; you can reach January feeling great.

So that is me signing off for the year – keep moving and be kind to yourself. You deserve it.