Mormon Life - Winter tag

Successful Winter Camping

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:04:00 -0700

by Emergency Essentials
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Camping is popular anytime of the year, but winter camping requires special preparation and equipment. Get educated about the precautions involved and prepare for a fun and successful camping trip.

Winter camping is a challenging adventure. A camper must have a healthy respect for Mother Nature and plan accordingly. When my dad and brothers go ice camping, they spend days beforehand planning for every situation and working out the smallest details. And their preparation pays off because they always have exciting things to tell us when they get back. Before hearing their stories, I never knew you could sleep safely in a hole in the snow, or stay warm even when you are soaking wet.

The main concerns for winter camping are staying warm and dry, and remaining hydrated. The best way to avoid frostbite or hypothermia is to conserve your own body heat. There are three ways to lose critical warmth. Keeping them in mind as you camp or hike through freezing temperatures will make you aware of what you can be doing to keep your body warm.

Radiation. The emission of body heat, especially from the skin areas exposed to the elements. A good set of gloves, hat, and scarf can help best in keeping bare skin to a minimum.

Conduction. The absorption of cold by the body when sitting or laying on cold ground, or handling cold objects such as metal cooking utensils and metal canteens. This is why a decent sleeping pad is required for cold weather camping. The same goes for wearing gloves. A camp stool is a must on a winter camping trip. Try not to sit on the ground.

Convection. The loss of body heat due to wind blowing across unprotected body parts. This situation can also be reduced by keeping bare skin covered with hats, scarves, and gloves. It is important to keep exposure to a minimum, ESPECIALLY in a windy situation. Convection heat loss can reduce body heat the fastest. Wet clothing will accelerate this process, making staying dry even more important.

Here are some other tips that will make your winter camping trip successful and free of accidents or emergencies that can prove to be life-threatening:

Tent placement. Whenever possible, place your tent in a location that will catch the sunrise in the morning. This will aid in melting off any ice and evaporating any frost or dew that may have formed during the night. This will also warm your tent as you awaken in the morning. Cold air sinks. Try to place your campsite on slightly higher ground than the rest of your surroundings. Try to choose a protected site if it is snowing or the wind is blowing.

Water consumption in cold weather. Dehydration can seriously impair the body's ability to produce heat. Drink fluids as often as possible during the day and keep a water bottle or canteen with you at night.

Cooking in cold weather. Cooking in cold weather will take about twice as long as normal. Always use a lid on any pots that you are cooking in. This will help to hold in the heat and decrease the overall heating time. Make sure you start hot cleaning water before you start cooking. The pots and utensils must still be cleaned. Try to keep your menu to good one-pot meals. Things like stews, chili, and hot beans stick to your ribs, lessen the cleaning time, and provide good sources of energy and fuel for your internal furnace. A good high-calorie snack before bedtime will also keep you warm all night. Stay away from an overabundance of sugar. Cheese is a good high-calorie bedtime snack.

Sleeping tip. Do not sleep with your mouth and nose in your sleeping bag. The moisture of your breath will condense in the bag, and cause it to become wet and ineffective as an insulator.

Buddy system. Buddies can help each other pack for a trek, look after one another in the woods, and watch for symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia, and exhaustion.

Checklist. Make a checklist of everything you need before you start to pack. Then check each item off as you pack it. This way you will not forget anything.

Taking this last idea to heart, we have included a checklist of some basic items that should be on every camping trip:

Backpack with straps to hold skis/snowshoes

Sleeping bag. A bag with a zero degree rating or less is best

Sleeping pad. Never sleep directly on the cold ground (see above definition of conduction)

Map and compass (every team member should have one)

Headlamp and extra batteries

Candles and matches

Shovel (or use a grain scoop or other substitute)

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Moleskin

Garbage Bags, 3 or 4 (to make emergency sleeping bags or shelters)

Boots, socks (wool is best)

Long underwear (polypropylene or other materials that wick moisture away are best)

Ribbons to tie to small gear so it can be found when dropped in the snow

Winter camping is a very rewarding sport because it requires so much effort. It is also one of the most dangerous activities you can engage in, if you are not prepared. With the proper preparation, it can be a fun activity for your family that teaches the value of hard work, how to work together as a team, and basic survival skills.

Traveling in the Winter

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:04:00 -0700

by Emergency Essentials
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Winter travel is unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. Prepare yourself for success with these essential tips.

One of the most important concepts to remember when planning winter excursions: If there are winter storm warnings and watches don?t travel unless it is absolutely necessary! If you must travel or have traveled into a winter storm, we have compiled some tips to help you survive.

If you are nervous about driving in bad weather, it is recommended to use public transportation. If you must drive, stay on major routes that will be plowed and maintained. Let someone know the route you plan to take and call them when you arrive. This way your route can be checked and you could be found sooner if you get stuck. Once you are on your way stick to your preplanned route. Drive cautiously, leaving a greater than normal following distance between you and any cars in front of you. In heavy snow slow down until you can see for at least a few feet in front of your car. If the snow is so heavy that it prevents you seeing much at all take the first opportunity to stop in a town and wait out the storm.

The first key to traveling safely in the winter is to avoid getting stuck in the snow.

In order to prepare adequately, you need to be informed. Knowing the terms used to forecast winter weather conditions will help you know what to expect:

Traveler's Advisory. Snow or ice is expected. Travel and visibility may be difficult.

Winter Storm Watch. Severe winter weather is possible. Stay tuned to the TV or radio for more information.

Winter Storm Warning. Heavy snow or freezing rain is expected. Freezing rain is forecast when the expected rain is likely to freeze as soon as it strikes the ground creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.

Blizzard Warning. Heavy snow, winds of 35 mph or more, and temperatures of 20 degrees or lower are expected.

Severe Blizzard Warning. Very heavy snow is expected with winds over 45 mph and temperatures below 10 degrees. Visibility can be so poor that you will not be able to see for more than a few yards.

Another important key to traveling safely in the winter is preparation. If you know that you will be making a trip this winter, take time now to make sure your vehicle is in the proper condition for safe winter travel. Make sure you check your vehicle at least one week before your trip because some repairs (like repairs to a rear window defroster) may need to cure for a few days before you can use them. In preparing your car you will need to have a mechanic (or yourself if you are able) check the following:

Battery. One of the first problems that can occur during cold weather is a battery problem. If you are unsure about your battery, it may be wise to have a mechanic check it out.

Ignition system. It is important to be able to start your car in any weather predicament. Be sure to check for any damaged wires or cracks in your distributor cap that could cause a sudden break down.

Lights. Make sure both your front and back (including brake) lights function properly. Be sure your front lights are aimed correctly. A headlight that is aimed too high will only contribute to obscuring your vision because it lights up the snowflakes instead of the road, and the glare on the falling snow obscures your vision beyond it.

Brakes. Make sure they will brake evenly to help prevent skidding. Do you know how to use brakes on the snow and ice?

Tires. These are the only connection between you and the road. If they are worn or improperly inflated it will diminish your starting, stopping, and turning ability. Be sure to rotate your tires if needed.

Exhaust system. Have the exhaust system checked for leaks of deadly carbon monoxide gas. If you become trapped in your car this check could save your life.

Heating and cooling system. Make sure the radiator cap, water pump, and radiator are working properly. Check the hoses to make sure there are no cracks or leaks. Test the strength of your antifreeze to make sure it is not too weak. Make sure both the heater and defroster work well.

Windshield. Check the wipers and replace if necessary. Fill up on windshield washer fluid (make sure it is the kind that won't freeze in the reservoir), and make sure it can reach your windshield by checking the motor and making sure the nozzles are not clogged.

Oil. Check the oil level and make sure you have the right kind of oil for low temperatures. This should be specified in your owner?s manual. Check with your mechanic or an auto part store.

Gas. Try to keep your tank as full as possible (above 1/2 tank) so that if you are stranded you will have plenty of fuel to run the car and be able to use the heater.

Now that you have your vehicle checked out, you will want to make sure you are prepared with the necessary items in your car. It is recommended to store an emergency car kit. For more information, see the Insight Articles on Car Preparedness and Safety and How to Build an Emergency Car Kit.

In addition to the emergency car kit, we recommend having mittens, scarf and stocking cap. Also have 30 feet or more of drapery cord or strong nylon string. If you must leave the vehicle to inspect outside conditions, tie a long cord to the vehicle and yourself so you can find your way back. If you have a cell phone keep it charged.

If you do break down DO NOT leave your car. It is the best shelter you can have in a winter storm. Call for help on your cell phone if it is working. While you are stuck, start the car and run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to use the heater. Make sure you crack a window on the side away from the wind to get fresh air. Periodically check to make sure your tail pipe is not blocked by snow or other objects. If it is, you should clear it before using the engine to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Avoid strenuous exercise or exertion. Sweating will only make you colder. When the engine is running turn on your lights so that rescuers can see you. Tie a brightly colored cloth (red, if possible) to your antenna for the same reason. If there is more than one person in the car you should take turns sleeping so that one of you can be alert to watch for rescuers. Make sure you ration battery power. Try not to use any of the car's electrical devices without having the engine running. If your battery does run done, you should be prepared with an emergency power generator. Your main goal if you become stranded is to stay warm until help arrives. After keeping warm, your priorities should be water, food, and then signaling for help.

Once the storm stops, you may be tempted to go for help. In most situations it is better for you to stay with your vehicle. Help may have been delayed by the same storm that trapped you, and your vehicle is easier to find than you are. Remember to ask yourself some important questions. Is your water and food supply portable so that leaving your vehicle won't create more problems? Do you have a way of maintaining a constant direction and not walking in circles? Could you leave a note for rescuers to tell them where you went? If you answered no to all these questions you should not leave your vehicle. You won?t increase your chances of being found and you decrease your chance for survival. If you must get out and do something then clear your car off so it is easier to see. Make a signal in the snow that passing planes could see. Spread out a brightly colored blanket on the snow to make a signal. In all these activities remember that cold weather makes exertion harder on your heart and your body, so don't sweat and stay warm. It is easier to stay warm than to get warm again.

Traveling in the winter can be a lot of fun once you have properly prepared. Hopefully this information will help you to prepare for winter traveling.

Snow Woes

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:03:00 -0700

by Emily Watts
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Snow started early this year in our town. The first time it snowed, well before Thanksgiving, it was magical. A beautiful blanket of white covered the graying world, gathering light from the full moon and reflecting it up to make the night bright. It was perfectly silent outside, the snow absorbing all the noise and leaving only a feeling of breathtaking awe.

The second time it snowed, right around Thanksgiving, I was less enchanted. My husband had wrenched his back from shoveling away the magic the first time it snowed, so it was mostly up to me to get the driveway cleaned off. (Why, oh why did we put in that big double driveway when the kids were on the verge of moving out anyway?) Or, if not get it completely cleaned off, I at least needed to do enough to keep us from getting ticketed for not clearing the sidewalks within 24 hours of the storm’s ending. (Would anyone really be mean enough to ticket you for that? The ultimate addition of insult to injury.)

The third time it snowed, just after Thanksgiving, I had to clamp my lips shut to keep any naughty words from escaping them. My husband did the minimum mandatory sidewalk shoveling and we left the driveway au naturel. Granted, it was a bit of an adventure trying to muscle in past the wall of snow left by the plow, but we managed. I went out once that week to try to carve out a path from the house to the sidewalk anyway, but it was so bitterly cold, and the snow that had now been run over many times by multiple vehicles seemed so permanently adhered to the concrete, that I gave it up.

That weekend, though, it warmed up outside—and by “up,” I mean clear into the thirties— and we thought maybe we’d give it another shot. To our astonishment, the ice that had previously been so stubborn slipped up in big sheets under our shovels. It was practically a pleasure to scoop it away and even more of a pleasure to walk across a perfectly clear driveway the next day for church.

I’m not advocating the procrastination of snow removal. It’s lots easier to shovel a driveway before anyone has actually driven on it, and then you can enjoy many more easy, guilt-free days. But I was interested to find that a task that seemed so hopeless one day turned out, with a little help from the sun, to be not as big a deal as I’d feared.

It made me wonder if sometimes we hammer away sort of fruitlessly at seemingly insurmountable obstacles that might be better left to sit until they’ve softened up a bit. With a little perspective, added to a little help from the Son, maybe after a little time has passed they won’t seem so bad.

Or maybe a new neighbor will move in who owns a snowblower.

Winter Adventures

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:02:00 -0700

by Jamie Cline and Megan Withers
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Looking for something adventurous to do this winter? Here are five exciting destinations that are sure to get your heart racing! Adventure can be defined in many different ways. And while each of the following destinations can be equally exciting, one may appeal to your family more than another. Check out these venues to decide which makes the coolest winter adventure for you.

Lake Placid, New York

The Big Attraction - Bobsledding: This is one of the few places in the world you can take a ride on an Olympic bobsled. At the Olympic Sports Complex, you can ride with a professional bobsled driver down the competition track. Each sled in this program has been built especially with you in mind, providing a safe, comfortable, thrilling ride. Even though this activity is a bit pricey at about $75 per person, with every ticket you receive 20 percent off a second ride and a free ticket to a world championship event.

While you're there: Play up the Olympic theme and visit the MacKenzie-Intervale Ski Jumping Complex and the Lake Placid Winter Olympics Museum. Also, the Olympic Speed Skating Oval is open to public ice skating daily.

Where to Stay: The Crown Plaza Resort is located close to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, giving easy access to tourists. Immaculate rooms are accompanied by amenities, such as four unique restaurants, an indoor pool and spa, a fitness room, and a cross-country ski and snowshoe center. Ice fishing and horse-drawn sleigh rides are also available close to the resort.

The most luxurious option near Lake Placid is Mirror Lake Inn - known as both a family-friendly lodge and a romantic destination. A private ice-skating rink is provided for lodgers, and dogsled rides are available nearby. The interior is beautiful, but visitors are encouraged to take advantage of several winter adventures, including the toboggan chute. This thrilling ride takes several people on a three-foot toboggan sled down a chute, which lands and slides onto the ice of Mirror Lake. The inn's day spa is a great place to enjoy some pampering after a long day out in the snow.

Ely, Minnesota

The Big Attraction - Dogsledding: This city is considered the "Dogsled Capital of the U.S." Minnesota takes the cake (or should we say "bone"?) when it comes to man's best friend. The wonderfully thick snow and beautiful mountain scenery lends itself to dogsledding. If you are interested in giving dogsledding a try, the Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge offers several winter adventures, ranging from half-day sled tours to five-day dogsled camping trips. No experience is needed, and you'll quickly learn to drive the dogs yourself! Food is included, and trips run from December to March. They also feature workshop trips, which include lessons in photography or creative writing. All ages are welcome (visit dogsledding.com to learn more).

While you're there: Snowmobiling can be another exhilarating experience in the winter months, and Minnesota is just the place to do it. The Taconite Trail spans 170 miles and includes several scenic offshoots. You can snowmobile here for a few hours or a few days, depending on your level of expertise and your low-temperature threshold. Cross-country skiing is also popular in this area of the North. There are six groomed trails, but more advanced skiers are welcome to strike out on their own.

Places to stay: Truly a wilderness destination, Ely offers mostly cabins as lodging. Moose Track Adventures has several beautiful lakeside cabins for rent. Each cabin includes its own microwave, refrigerator, stove, kitchen utensils, and linens. Several different sizes of cabins are available, allowing vacations for both small family getaways and big family reunions.

However, if you are looking for something a bit less wild, the Grand Ely Lodge is wonderful. A stay at the Lodge includes access to their indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna, and features a restaurant with an impressive menu. Sixty-one rooms and suites are available.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

The Big Attraction - Skiing: Whistler Blackcomb is the selected skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic winter games. These two mountains provide the best skiing in all of North America, with the biggest vertical drop (5,280 feet). Natural beauty encompasses the area and creates an outdoor-lover's paradise. This area of Canada features excellent terrain, wide alpine bowls for skiers and snowboarders, glaciers, and a thriving town. There are more than seven thousand acres of land for skiing, and though more than sixteen thousand skiers and snowboarders come to the area per day during peak season, there are plenty of unexplored slopes.

While you're there: Go tubing at Blackcomb's Coca-Cola Tube Park. This park has eight 1,000-foot-long lanes varying in difficulty. A conveyor belt lift makes reaching the top of the slope easy and fun. Whistler also features the number one zip line tour in North America. There are two distinct zip line tours to choose from: Skyline and Ziptrek. Located at Cougar Mountain, Skyline allows adventurers to zip-line in a seat. Ziptrek allows adventurers to glide in a harness between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Other great things that you can do include dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and heli-skiing.

Places to stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler set at the base of Blackcomb combines unique architecture (which reflects the natural landscape), beautiful design and decor, and magnificent outdoor surroundings. For skiers, this hotel offers ski-in/ski-out convenience and a giant soaking tub in every room - perfect for tired muscles. Other amenities include a dry sauna, a sixty-foot outdoor heated pool with underwater music, and private cabana rentals. Rates start at $269. Visit fairmont.com/whistler for more information.

Crystal Lodge, located in Whistler Village, has been awarded for its impeccable service, newly renovated lodgings, and numerous amenities. The hotel offers the largest selection of on-site restaurants of anywhere in the area. Other amenities include complimentary ski valet, an outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub, sauna and fitness rooms open twenty-four hours a day, heated underground parking, and an Olympic meeting room which can accommodate up to sixty people. Rates begin at $180.

North Lake Tahoe, California

The Big Attraction - Snow Caving: Ever wondered what it would be like to spend the night out in the snow? Treat yourself to an unlikely adventure in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. The company Adventure Out features a snow cave camping trip, during which you learn about winter survival and how to build snow caves. During this three-day, two-night excursion, you have the choice of sleeping in the lodge or in your own snow cave. Expert instructors do the teaching, so it is completely safe. Food is provided, but you should bring warm clothes and some camping equipment. All ages are permitted. Go to adventureout.com/snow_camping.html for more details.

While you're there: A fantastic winter festival is located right down the road. Snowfest at North Lake Tahoe features fireworks, a laser light show, and a parade . . . on skis! However, the best part about this festival is Wacky Winter Bowling. Both kids and adults participate in this silly game: sledding down a hill trying to knock down inflatable pins.

Snowshoeing is a popular winter pastime here, and snowshoes are readily available for anyone wanting to give it a try. Although Tahoe receives about six hundred inches of snow each year, most of its winter days are sunny, providing the perfect opportunity to explore this paradise in the mountains.

Places to Stay: Northstar at Tahoe is just one of the twelve beautiful ski resorts in the Sierras. This amazing resort offers several children's activities, live music, and even bungee jumping. Northstar has several different housing possibilities, including romantic rooms with one bed and family lodges with five rooms. A heated pool is available to patrons, as well as three spa tubs and a game room.

Another Tahoe resort, the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn, combines just the right amount of comfort with access to the slopes. Ski and snowboard rental and waxing are available on-site as well. Sixty rooms and suites are available to patrons, all of whom are invited to take advantage of several offered amenities. This hotel is known for its extraordinary cuisine and boasts an excellent in-room dining service.

The lower-scale Big Pines Mountain House is a more affordable option for Tahoe visitors. Big Pines offers comfortable beds, functional rooms, a friendly staff, and a continental breakfast. With a private beach and a location close to Heavenly Village shopping center, Big Pines is close to everything you could want without offering more than you need.

Zermatt, Switzerland

The Big Attraction - Heliskiing: Three hundred and thirteen kilometers of some of the highest north- and west-facing slopes in Europe are found in Zermatt. Here, you have the opportunity to try heliskiing, the adventure of a lifetime. In this sport, a skier is carried high above the mountains by helicopter and then dropped onto otherwise inaccessible slopes. However, for those not as daring, hundreds of groomed slopes are available for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Located at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn Mountain is Zermatt, a tiny town of 5,500 inhabitants, known as "the village without cars." Here, in order to prevent pollution, electric cars and horse drawn sleighs and carriages are the only transportation allowed. The town is built on the image of exclusivity. The streets are brimming with gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels, and designer shops. In fact, forty world-class restaurants dot the mountain range.

While you're there: The sport of curling is a long-standing tradition in Zermatt. Curling is played by two teams of four players. Teams take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones down the ice towards the target, which is called a "house." Two sweepers with brooms direct the stones to the house. To win the game, teams must understand the complex nature of stone placement and shot selection. Some refer to curling as "chess on ice." Although it requires great skill, the sporting arena in Zermatt, which offers sixteen curling rinks on a natural ice rink, invites all visitors to try the sport. To make reservations, visit Zermatt's curling web page

Places to stay: Zermatt's Igloo-Village is one of the few places in the entire world where you can spend the night in an igloo. The hotel enhances the beauty of nature's wonders and prides itself on its gourmet cheese fondue - the food of the "Alpine Inuit." You can enjoy the fine cuisine inside the igloo or on the snow terrace. Get your sleeping bags ready and visit iglu-dorf.com for more information.

For those who prefer a little more warmth and luxury, Riffelalp Resort is a five star hotel with only sixty-five rooms and five suites. The rooms of the hotels bring the outdoors in with warm colors and beautiful wood molding and furniture. The hotel offers a large, indoor heated pool with whirlpool, as well as a steam bath, a Finnish sauna, and an organic sauna.

For another great winter adventure . . .

The Ice Hotel A beautiful building made of glimmering ice, covered with snow, and filled with sculpted ice furniture - sounds like something you would read about in a fantasy book, doesn't it? But talented sculptors and designers travel every year to Sweden to create the ICEHOTEL, a masterpiece of ice, snow, and imagination.

The ICEHOTEL is located in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden. This magnificent structure gets its foundation from the Torne River, which freezes every winter and supplies the hotel with the ice necessary for its serene, frozen beauty.

Inside, the temperature is never lower than 41 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a relief after spending all day in the -22 degree outside temperature. Guests stay in rooms made completely of ice - including the beds, chairs, and tables. Reindeer skins are used as bed sheets, and guests sleep on top of them in thermal sleeping bags. Guests can also enjoy the club room, which features ice armchairs and a frozen fireplace (with a light instead of an actual fire, of course), and can worship or even catch a glimpse of a wedding in the Ice Church, a beautiful chapel with a stunning ceiling. After spending a night in the cold, ICEHOTEL recommends going next door to stay in the regular, heated hotel.

Because of the extreme low temperatures, adventurous souls may want to give this place a try; those of us who prefer more tropical vacation sites may just want to check out a few pictures of this wondrous marvel and stay in our own cozy abode.

Winterizing Plants

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:00:00 -0600

by LDS Living Staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Don't forget your plants as you make preparations for winter!

You take special steps to get your house, car, and kids ready for the winter, but what about your plants? When you start to reach for your jacket, make sure you take the following steps to help your green beauties:

Get rid of your annual plants (flowers, herbs, veggies) right away. Also, trim your perennials back to just above the soil. This will keep insects and disease away during the winter.
Non-hearty bulbs such as dahlias and gladiolas should be removed from the ground. Dry them, then store in a cool, dry place until spring.
After getting rid of any weeds or dead leaves, buy some tough compost and spread it over your beds to keep them protected from winter's unpredictable temperatures.
Put your potted plants in an unheated garage or shed - pots frequently crack in freezing weather. If your pots are too heavy to move, you can insulate them by wrapping them in bubble-wrap and covering the soil in compost.
Once your plants are settled, take the time to clean, oil, and sharpen your garden tools - it will make them much more pleasant to pull out in the spring.
Unhook and drain your garden hoses, then keep them indoors. This will lengthen their lifetime, and you can spend those extra bucks on new flowers next spring!

Exercising Through the Holidays

Wed, 27 Nov 2002 08:22:00 -0700

by Kelli Calabrese
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: During a busy time like the holidays, we all tend to neglect our health. Being in top physical condition can help you manage the demands of a season that is full of activity—and stress. Stay in tip-top shape for handling the load that the holidays can bring.

Wouldn’t it be great to enjoy the holiday season feeling invigorated, rather than stressed and fatigued? Exercising through the holidays will not only help us managed the addition al stressors, but will also put us one step ahead of our health-oriented New Year’s resolutions.

Create some new traditions.

Instead of the usual baking fest, consider training for an event with your family like the “Turkey Trot” or “Jingle Bell Run.” Having a physical goal in mind such as training for a 5K run will help you to stay on track with your workouts. Even traditional holiday activities such as caroling through the neighborhood on foot or sledding down the town hill will burn calories and keep the heart pumping. You and your family may be delighted with some new activity-based family customs, and not even miss all of the lard and sugar you avoid in the process.

Manage your time.

If you start holiday shopping early and pre-plan the parties you wish to attend, you’ll not fell as pressured to give up your exercise sessions. Try putting all of your workouts in your planner for the months of November through December and stick to them just as you would any other important appointment. Be firm about keeping that commitment and resolve toward maintaining good health through these notoriously decadent months.

Review your goals and priorities.

Your life has many important parts including family, work, spiritual growth, recreation and health, which can be especially hard to balance around the holiday. Studies have shown that those who take care of their health—specifically through exercise—are better able to take care of others and achieve balance in al areas of their life. Taking a little time for your physical fitness will pay big dividends at this time of year.

Measure your progress.

Knowing your starting point and tracking your improvements throughout the holidays will inspire you to continue. Get out the scale, stopwatch, camera, and measuring tape to record your starting points and create a folder to store your stats, along with workout cards, and personal goals. This will be a good comparison and motivator as you are progressing or if you reach a plateau. Re-evaluate your level of fitness and compare your improvements from today to that of January 1st, 2004. You may be delighted at how much stronger, flexible and fit you are.

Put fitness gear on your holiday list.

If anyone asks what you want this holiday season, politely reply that you would prefer a gift certificate to the gym, a new pair of running shoes, a heart rate monitor, a pair of skiis, or a new workout tape. You will get a lot more mileage from new workout apparel than from anything else.

Take advantage of winter activities.

If you live in a cold climate, the world is your gym. Consider cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating. If you live in a warm climate, go for a bike ride, walk or swim. Outdoor activities will add to the mental and spiritual dimensions of physical activity and help to keep your holiday anxiety to a minimum.

Sign up for lessons.

If you commit to taking dance lessons throughout the holidays, not only will you have built in some enjoyable exercise time, but you will be able to show off all of your latest moves on New Year’s Eve. You may want to sign up for a winter session of kickboxing, tennis, or swimming.

Choose an activity that you will enjoy and consider singing up fro the follow up course in the spring. You may even be motivated to enter a competition and bring your fitness to a whole new level.

Workout first thing in the morning.

If you complete your workout as your very first task of the day, then there won’t be unexpected obstacles to compete with your workout time. During the holidays there is a greater chance of alternate activities in the evenings, so play ahead by working out first things in you day. Your body will get used to the morning exercise routine, giving you added energy for holiday shopping.

Convenience is a factor.

If you find you don’t have time to go to the gym, break out the workout videos, dust off the home equipment or resort to basics like walking, sit-ups and push-ups. Do what you can to pick up the pace and find creative ways to fit in activity.

Don’t procrastinate!

If you wait until next Monday, they you’ll wait until January are then you’ll wait until spring. Start out with some form of movement until it becomes a habit, and you begin to formalize your plan. You’re far more likely into to slip into patterns of inactivity if you address them ahead of time and are prepared with alternatives. Have a safe, happy and fit holiday season.