The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time for families. Along with those hectic schedules, the cold winter weather can make it challenging for squeezing in some physical activity each day. However, being active as a family can benefit everyone. Adults need at least 2½ hours of physical activity a week, and children need 60 minutes a day. Follow these tips to add more activity during the winter months:
Schedule some time for physical activity. Determine time slots throughout the week when most family members available. Devote a few of these times to doing something active. If you put it on your calendar and treat it like an appointment, you will be much more likely to follow through with it. Anything that gets your heart beating faster and activities that make your muscles work harder than usual counts as physical activity. If you are short on time, start with just 5 minutes. Set a reachable goal and work up toward the recommended amount. Just remember to move more and sit less during the day. Turn off the screens. Instead of watching TV or playing video games, create an indoor obstacle course, make a scavenger hunt or play charades. Being active as a family not only creates special memories but helps to relieve holiday stress. Bundle up for outdoor play. Create a snowman or “snow family”. Climb a snow mountain or make paths through the snow. No snow? Walk around your neighborhood to view lighting displays rather than taking the car. Don’t ditch the housework. We all have experienced the tiring effects of doing chores. But those chores are a great way to add physical activity and have a clean house – ready for holiday guests. Kids can help vacuum, dust, sweep the floor and even clean the windows! Treat the family with fun physical activity. Enjoyable experiences such as an afternoon of ice skating or an evening of bowling make great gifts. A membership to the YMCA or recreational club can give your family fun opportunities for physical activity all throughout the year. Don’t forget to have fun on your local sledding hill as well! Incorporate easy activities to get moving during the holidays. Simple tips like parking at the far end of the parking lot, using the stairs instead of escalators, and dancing to your favorite holiday music can make a huge difference!Source: Nebraska Extension
Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
Upcoming Events
December 9 – Bi-State Crops Conference, Beef House, 9 am-1:30 pm, $40 + credit fee, register at: https://bit.ly/BiStateCrops2021
December 15 - Winter PARP, Off the Rails Event Center (Roachdale), 9-11 am, no charge, register at: https://tinyurl.com/PutnamPARP2021
December 15 - ServSafe Food Manager 1-Day Class & Online Exam, 9am-4pm, register at: www.purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops
December 22-31 – Extension Office Closed for Winter Holidays
Senate Page Program applications available Sunday
Five safety tips to kick off your holiday season
Call 211 to find local warming centers during upcoming winter weather
Get your letters to Santa at two special mailing locations in Greencastle
