We all know the holidays are extremely stressful.

You’re already trying to eat right…and maintain your exercise program…

Now, you’re adding shopping, traveling, and going to family functions. It can be quite a drag on your time, and your mental health.

And when this happens…you could be useless to your friends, family…even your co-workers.

So what can you do to maintain your mental health throughout the holidays?

Follow these tips:

Manage your stress
Keep your routines the same (or as close as possible)
Stay Active
Practice Daily Stress Relieving Techniques, like yoga or meditation
Spend some time with those you want to spend time with
Understand when you need time alone

Even though we may not be able to completely control what goes on around us…

We can control the things to keep ourselves sane. And one of the best ways to do this is through exercise.

Exercise helps lower stress, balances out important hormones, and improves memory, concentration, and focus.

All which you need during the holiday season.

So what should you be doing? According to the American Council on Sports Medicine, you should be:

• Participate in moderate exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

• Participate in vigorous intensity exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week

• Participate in strength training at a minimum of 3 days each week

I will personally add in 5 to 10 minutes of meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness exercises each day to clear my head, reduce stress, and maintain balance throughout the holiday season.

The holidays can be stressful. With the engagements, traveling, and gift-giving, there is a lot to do, and not much time to do it. But, the holidays can also be one of the best times of year—since you get to see family you don’t normally see, and you’re immersed in the spirit of giving. Although it can be stressful, you need to keep in mind your mental health, and manage your stress—before it becomes a problem.

I hope that these tips help you control your stress—so you can maintain a happy, healthy holiday season.

P.S.: Whenever you're ready... here are 4 ways I can help you:

1. Let's Do a Free Goal Achievement Call. If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated and want help figuring out how to reach your health and fitness goals, simply reply to this email and let me know you want to talk. We'll schedule a convenient time and I'll help you figure out what will work for you during this crazy time. Just reply with 'Call' in the subject line and we'll set up a time to talk. No obligation Call!

2. Join our Small Group Training Program for 50% OFF Your First Month Are you starting to fall behind on your goals? If you stay on track or get on track our small group training program can help you. In our program, you will receive workouts for 2x or 3x week, meal plan blueprint, recipe guide, nutrition guide, and 1:1 coaching weekly. If you'd be interested in our small group training, simply hit reply and put 'Small Group’ in the subject line and I'll get you all the details.

3. Train With Me...For FREE. If you'd like to come in for a free training session...1 on 1 or small group...I'd love to have you in as my guest. Training somewhere new can be out of someone's comfort zone, so I want to make it as easy as possible for you to see if this is the best place for you to reach your goals. Just reply with 'Train' in the subject line and we'll figure out what type of session you'd enjoy most and when coming in would be convenient for you.

4. I have FREE Open Office Hours during the week where you can call in and speak to me about your goals. The call is just 15 minutes out of your week, but the insights you’ll discover could impact you for a lifetime! To schedule your FREE consultation, reply and put 'Call' in the subject line.

Aaron Hines, Owner-Premier Performance Training M.S. Exercise Physiology ACSM-CPT, NASM-FNS, TRX, TPI-Level 1 & F2, CSAC, Pn1