Managing your physical activity over the holidays

The holidays can be a busy time of year, which can lead to increased stress levels. For veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), isolation and other challenges related to the holidays can be overwhelming or lead to an increase in symptoms. As a result, exercise may not be a priority.

It is important to remember not to place too much stress on yourself to maintain a routine in what can be a very busy time of year; instead, be proud of yourself for achieving simple daily goals. The same can be said for exercise during the holidays; if you can only achieve a ten-minute walk, that is still something that you can tick off your list for the day. 

Keeping active over the holidays 

Heading to the gym or completing your usual exercise routine may not be suitable during the holiday season. 

Other physical activity suggestions include: 

• Going for a walk or run around your neighbourhood 
• Swimming at the local pool, or beach if you’re close to the coast 
• Completing home workouts, either provided by an exercise physiologist or following along with an online tutorial 
• Going through your own stretching routine 
• Utilising exercise equipment at your local park 

If you are visiting or seeing family or friends over the holiday period, this can be a great opportunity to get active together. The holidays are a perfect time for some classic activities such as backyard cricket or family footy. 

When we exercise socially with friends and family, the ‘feel good’ hormone dopamine is released, which benefits our physical and mental health and also helps to strengthen the bonds we feel within our relationships. 

Tips from an exercise physiologist for managing your health over the holidays: 

• Make some time for exercise in the day, even if it’s five minutes in the morning to stretch. 
• If your usual exercise routine isn’t an option for you due to holiday stressors or a busy schedule, find a physical activity that you enjoy closer to home. 
• Get involved in incidental activity, whether it’s backyard sports, jumping in the pool, or walking around the neighbourhood to look at holiday decorations. 
• Remember to slip, slop, slap, and hydrate on hot summer days. If you’re sweating, make sure to replace the lost fluid with more water! 

If you’re a veteran or family member and want to find out more about how Mates4Mates can support your physical and mental health, reach out to us on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat.     

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate support over the holiday period, contact 000 or attend your nearest hospital. For 24-hour support, phone Open Arms: 1800 011 046 or Lifeline: 13 11 14.   

Over the holiday season, all Mates4Mates centres will be closed from lunchtime on Friday, 22 December 2023 to Monday, 1 January 2024. The centres will re-open on Tuesday, 2 January 2024.