Holiday break is a great time to catch up on some much-needed sleep, see friends, and just recover from finals. But if you are an athlete, you know that putting your entire routine on hold isn’t going to benefit you. It can make your body feel stiff and slow. However, there are ways that you can stay active while also enjoying a restful and calm break!
Do “Cozy Morning” Movement
The morning is the perfect opportunity to get your body moving with some light stretches for the day. You can even stay in your pajamas, which will keep you comfortable and warm. Put on one of your favorite relaxing playlists, and pick a spot on the floor. Do some gentle mobility exercises such as rolling out your ankles, downward dog, and roll-downs. This will keep your body active without stressing it with a full workout.
Turn Snow Days into Dance Days
If it is too cold outside to play in the snow or really leave the house, use it as an opportunity to dance. You can even turn it into a fun improv session. Turn on your favorite Christmas song and just let it move you. You can even put on some fuzzy socks to keep your feet warm and act as a turner for turns. Just have fun with it, this is a no-pressure way to keep dancing over break!
Try Low-Intensity Cross Training
This is perfect for keeping your muscles warmed up without overworking them. Try things such as at-home pilates, yoga flows, long walks, or stability exercises to improve your balance. These should all be low impact and things that don’t have you feeling exhausted when you are done.
Have a “Mini Combo” Day Each Week
Give your break some structure by having one day a week dedicated to creating a mini combo. Learn a combo that you saw on Instagram or Tiktok, creating your own 8-count combo, or clean up an old routine and improve your technique. Keep it short and fun!
Keep Your Body Hydrated and Happy
A big part of staying active is making sure that you are staying healthy. Make sure you drink plenty of water, especially if you are drinking hot cocoa or mochas. Keep your neck and shoulders stretched when laying or sitting down often. Be aware of eating actual meals and not just snacking throughout the day, your body needs the nutrition.