Keeping a Routine During the Holidays

It can be tough to keep a routine when the weather gets colder and the days get darker. To top it off, the busy holiday season is in full swing. When you’re experiencing all these changes, it’s easy to put workouts on the back burner. 

Did you know that having a routine helps your stress levels, improves your sleep, and leads to better health? Routines are vital for your mental and physical health, so it’s important you have a sense of structure during the busiest time of the year. 

Even if you can’t keep up with your usual routine this holiday season, you can try a modified version. Here are our tips and tricks for keeping a routine during the holidays!

Switch up Your Routine

While changing your routine might sound counterintuitive, it’s actually the opposite! Introducing some change can introduce you to new things and increase your cognitive functioning (think focus, memory, and problem-solving skills). Remember that you're only switching it up, not completely changing your routine! 

These changes to your routine can be small, like your wake-up time or trying a new biking route. If your regular biking trail is experiencing increased foot traffic or is closed due to the weather, we’ve got a ton of suggestions for routes in Colorado and e-bike-friendly trails! Switching up your routine can get you back on the right track.

If you’re bored with your regular biking route, give some new workouts a chance! Bump up the intensity and try a new biking trail, take a quick run, or do a HIIT workout. There are tons of videos and resources online for trying new workouts. Changing your routine exposes you to new experiences, so you might find something new that you like! 

Bring a Friend

Holidays are a time to reconnect with loved ones, so you’re probably spending a lot of time with family and friends. If you want to do something together and get out of the house, consider taking them along for a bike ride! 

Including a friend or loved one in your routine makes the ride more exciting. They get to experience something new, and you get to change your routine a bit. Including a loved one in your rides makes for a great bonding experience, so it’s a win-win for both of you!

Build Exercise Into Your Schedule

Exercising is one of the best ways to manage stress and health during the holiday season. It’s a natural way to improve your mood, increase energy, and have a better night's sleep. When exercising is already on the calendar, you’re less likely to skip it. It’s easiest to have an hour blocked out for exercising because you’ve committed that time to work out. 

If you don’t exercise regularly, the holiday season is a great time to build it into your schedule! Habits make a huge difference in whether or not we stick to our routines. If you have a New Year's Resolution to start exercising, building the habit now will make it easier to maintain into the new year. Need resources for sticking with a resolution? Check out our blog on maintaining your new year’s resolutions! 

Try Indoor Cycling

Not a fan of the cold weather? It’s okay! Try indoor cycling at your local rec center. Indoor cycling can provide a new challenge as you aim to keep your routine during the holidays. Anything you can do to keep your body moving and stay in shape over the winter months will be beneficial. 

Sticking with a routine during the busy holiday season can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be impossible! Having a sense of structure will reduce stress and aid your mental and physical health, making the holidays restful and enjoyable. If you find yourself slipping or bored with your routine, it might be a sign to change it up. We hope these tips will help, and remember to take care of yourself this holiday season! 

About Electric Wheels of Colorado

Electric Wheels of Colorado is your trusted source for electric bikes (e-bikes) accessories, parts, and service. We carry only high-quality brands that we trust the supplier, have a path for service and warranties, and have passed our quality checks. Come visit us for a test ride today! Electric Wheels’ mission is “More Miles, More Smiles.” The owners, Todd and Lori Logan hope that Electric Wheels brings to customers a new healthy experience and a new way to enjoy life. Leading to a new way to be grateful for the opportunities to get out and move, breathe fresh air, and SMILE!