It is tough when students head home for the holidays. They’ve finished finals and have time to relax.  One problem with this down time is that students lose their regular routines. This may include interrupting great habits, such as exercising.

Here are some tips for you to share with your student to help them stay focused on health and fitness over the holidays.

• Remember that as little as 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise is all it takes to stay healthy and on track. And you don’t even have to get all 30 minutes in at one time! Sprinkle in 10 minutes 3 times a day.
  • Go for a brisk walk or a jog
  • Ride a bike
  • Go for a hike
  • Dance
  • Play a sport – It is a great time to start an Annual Family Flag Football Game!
  • Help out with some yard work
  • Take the stairs
• If you are looking to maintain your level of fitness, all you need to do is increase the intensity and duration of your activities. This is only a modest increase in both to moderate-vigorous intensity for 60 minutes a day, 3-4 days per week.
• Invite friends and family to exercise with you. It is more enjoyable when you can exercise and catch up with old friends at the same time.
• Not every day you are active needs to be scheduled exercise. It’s the holidays, have fun with it!
• Stay focused on healthy food choices.
• REST…(yes, rest!) is a highly valuable component of health and fitness! Take advantage of the time off from classes and studying to get your sleep routine back on track.