Walking Snacks to Fit into Your Holiday Hustle
December is such a magical time of year—but it’s also a chaotic time of year. It feels like a constant jumble of activities: practice and concerts and projects before the kids start their winter break, holiday gatherings with friends and family and coworkers, shopping, wrapping, baking, and traveling. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Mother Nature will throw in an unexpected snow day to throw off your entire schedule.
During this crazy time of year, a calming, refreshing walk can do a world of good. And, fortunately, you don’t need a ton of time to get some extra steps in the middle of the holiday rush.
I am a big fan of Walking Snacks as a way to fit in some extra steps in the middle of a busy day—and I’ve got some more Walking Snacks to help you get your steps during the holiday hustle, no matter where the month takes you.
Holiday Task Snacks
Right now, your to-do list is a mile long. But, with a little planning, you can fit some steps into your holiday tasks.
1) Walk While Waiting
Even though there’s a lot of hustling going on this time of year, there’s also a lot of waiting. You’re waiting for the cookies to bake (or cool). You’re waiting for the oven to preheat (or the water to boil). You’re waiting for your kid’s basketball practice or band rehearsal to end. While it’s tempting to pull out your phone and scroll while you wait, this is the perfect time to fit in some steps. Do a loop around the school…or the parking lot…or the kitchen. You can even do it while catching up on texts in the team’s parent chat, if you must. But you might just feel a little less frantic when you’re done waiting.
2) Mall Walking with Purpose
Even if you do most of your holiday shopping online, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to run out to the store for last-minute gifts…or for the ingredients for your world-famous sugar cookies…or for more batteries for the kids’ gifts. While you’re at it, fit in a walking snack or two. For instance:
– Park a little farther away. Of course, there’s a good chance that the parking lot will be packed—and you’ll end up parking far away anyway. Just remind yourself that you’re getting some steps, and you might not be quite as frustrated that you couldn’t find a good parking spot.
– Do a lap before (or after) you finish your shopping. The mall can be a pretty crazy place this time of year, but there’s also something fun about the festive displays and the mall Santa ho-ho-ho-ing through meet-and-greets with kids. Take a few extra minutes to take it all in before you shop—or after, when you’ve got bags to add a little weight to your walk.
– Take the stairs. This works for the mall but also for your office or the hotel where you’re staying for the holidays. It might even save you some time if there’s a line for the elevator.
– Browse. Then browse again. Sure, you’ve got a lot to do. You’ve got a mile-long to-do list. But take the time to explore the store for a while. Not only will you get those extra steps, but you might just find the perfect gift while you’re wandering around the store.
3) Walk in the Holiday Lights
For many families, it’s tradition to get in the car with some hot chocolate and some holiday music on the radio and drive around to see the lights. This year, bundle up a little more and see the lights on foot! If your own neighborhood isn’t especially festive, drive to a favorite neighborhood, park the car, and stroll down the streets. Getting close to the lights will make it even more magical—and you’ll get your steps in the process!
4) Gift-Wrap Walk
Sometimes, wrapping presents can feel like a marathon (and not the kind with fun signs and DJs and spectators cheering you on from the sidelines). In the middle of your gift-wrapping spree, be sure to take some breaks. Every 30 minutes or so, get up and walk around. Do a few laps around the house, climb some stairs, or even walk outside to get some fresh air. Not only will it do your back and shoulders some good, but it’ll help you feel refreshed and ready to dive back in for another round of wrapping.
Party Snacks
This time of year, we’re all heading to parties and joining in the festivities, but you can work a walk into your plans. It’s the perfect mental health break in the midst of the busyness.
1) Party Prep Walk
If you’re an introvert like me, the holiday season—with all of its people-ing—can be exhausting. Sometimes I need a few extra minutes to psych myself up before I enter a room full of people—whether they’re my husband’s coworkers, a bunch of church friends, or extended family. This is where a quick walk can do a whole lot of good. Take a few minutes to de-stress with a pre-party walk, and you’ll be (more) ready to socialize.
2) After Dinner Snack
After a big holiday meal (or filling up on munchies at the work party), it’s tempting to curl up on the couch and take a nap. Instead, gather the family for an easy walk. You can enjoy a chat and—if it’s after dinner—take in the lights at the same time. Or, if you’ve had your fill of togetherness, sneak out for a little post-dinner digestion walk for some peace and quiet.
Travel Snacks
The holiday season often means traveling to visit friends and family. But those long hours on the road (or in the airport) don’t have to keep you from moving.
1) Airport Adventure
Flying home for the holidays? While you’re waiting to board your flight (which has been delayed again), get up and explore the terminal. There’s so much to see in the airport—and those steps will help with the pre-flight nerves while also reducing the stiffness you always get in your legs while flying.
2) Gas Stop Stroll
Long road trips can be a pain—both figuratively and literally. Whenever it’s time to stop for gas, don’t just run to the bathroom and climb back into the car. Give yourself an extra 5 minutes to walk. The fresh air will do you good—so will the movement.
3) Hotel Hallway Power Walk
Many hotels offer a fitness room with a treadmill—which is a great way to fit in some extra steps. But I’ve also stayed in hotels where the treadmill is broken—or the fitness room is strangely never open. Still, you can fit in some extra steps at the hotel by walking back and forth down the hall. Or, for a little extra workout (and a little treat), walk down the stairs to the lobby for some coffee (or tea…or water). If your hotel serves fresh chocolate chip cookies, you’re entitled to one (or two). After all, you deserve a little extra treat for surviving the season.
While the holiday season doesn’t always lend itself to long, refreshing walks, you don’t have to ditch your walking routine when life gets crazy. It just takes a little bit of planning—and a little shift in thinking. Don’t think of it as just one more thing to check off your to-do list; think of it as a much-needed mental health break in the middle of a crazy day. Don’t set unreasonable goals; celebrate the small wins! Be proud of yourself for taking the time to stroll through the airport instead of sitting at the gate—or for getting outside for a festive nighttime walk around the block. Everything counts! And when the holidays are over, you’ll be proud of yourself for sticking with it—even when it wasn’t easy.
What are your favorite holiday Walking Snack suggestions?
