You are not a squirrel. (Sciurus vulgaris or Sciurus carolinensis)
Illustration by Tahra Morton
By Erica Green @ Green Light Lifestyles
We’re now into the last quarter of the year, a time when we all start withdrawing slightly from the outside world in favour of our cosier dreys! Especially when the evenings start drawing in and the weather turns a little chillier, these closing months often see us going into hibernation mode. The heavier tog duvet emerges, the electric blanket sidles out and winter woollies wander back into our wardrobes. However, if you find yourself scurrying around storing nuts here, there and everywhere, then perhaps you need professional help from a different source!
Inspiration not insulation.
Our behaviour starts to change dramatically as well. You may notice that it’s harder to motivate yourself towards anything but sourcing, gathering and consuming food! Going to the gym, having a swim or playing a game of tennis all start to look like an incredible waste of valuable energy stores and rest time. The couch, slippers and hot cuppa routine is beginning to whet your appetite more than an invigorating workout. This is all fine unless we’re trying to follow a healthy path and maintain a robust immune system, offset the laying down of ‘natural insulation’ and keep our metabolic rates in shape to cope with the onslaught of any Christmas indulgences.
Go nuts!
I’m confident that you are all trying to follow the healthy path, which is why you’re all determined to stick to regular exercise regimes using your personal trainer (and whatever other means) to help motivate and enthuse you to maintain those rewarding and invigorating workouts. Now is the perfect opportunity to try something novel such as a new exercise, yoga (explore Breeze, the Urban Yoga Company) or dance class or set a goal to train for – climb a mountain, Munro or Corbett or run a 5 or 10km for charity.
Unlike the squirrels, why wait to unearth the fruits (or nuts!) of your labours next year when you can revel in them continuously now. The worst step would be to ease off and retreat to your nests at this point in the calendar. Reducing your activity levels enhances a feeling of sluggishness (literally and metabolically) which, when coupled with shorter days and less sunlight, can leave us feeling decidedly gloomy. Keep your exercise routines regular and you’ll find it easier to maintain them once the end-of-year-parties get going. Don’t automatically change your eating habits either, keep meals light and graze healthily. You’ll be in fabulous shape, brighter eyed and bushier tailed, and have bags of energy for the New Year too.
P.S. The Latin name for the squirrel – sciurus – has Greek origins. It comes from the Greek word skiouros, which means shade-tail. (Anyone who’s seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding can add the wonderful accent!)
Other articles by Erica
Exercise on a Sun Lounger
Healthy Chocolate
British Summer Time
Sexercise
Shaking the House
A Heart is for Life Not Just Valentine’s Day
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