Six Ways to Cut Stress

From stretching during your warm-up to staying consistent with your workouts during travel, don’t sweat the small stuff. Relax your mind and body with these strategies.

Stretch during your warm-up.

“Sometimes it can be overwhelming to plan your workout beforehand, so stretching lightly first will help you establish what body parts are already sore and which are feeling fresh,” Bonnett says. “Then, create your workout to target the less-tired areas.” Listening to your body, rather than planning a full routine ahead of time, will save you time and make for a less stressful trip.

Keep a workout blog.

Journal your workouts, or post a gym picture each day to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. When others know about your accomplishments, you will feel more accountable and be more motivated to make time for exercise.

Begin your day with your workout.

The sooner you get it done, the less likely other obligations will stand in the way of fitting it in.

Multitask during cardio.

Write out your gift list while on the upright bike, or time your treadmill run to watch your favorite TV show at the gym. “I even start laundry and throw a tray of chicken in the oven before one of my at-home fat-burning spin sessions,” Bonnett adds. With less to do after your training session, you’re more likely to feel calm.

Stay consistent with your workouts, even when traveling.

One way to do it? Research what equipment will be available at your hotel and create a program tailored to the facility, advises Julie Bonnett, Oxygen fitness model and physique consultant in Winnipeg, Canada. You can also plan several jogging routes before you arrive so you can exercise while exploring your surroundings.

Make room in your wardrobe.

With all of the great sales this time of year, who doesn’t splurge a little on herself? Each time you purchase something new – or receive clothing as a gift – get rid of one item in your closet that you no longer wear.