Deck The Halls: Morning Workouts to Beat Holiday Stress!
A few years ago, I found myself sitting in my car in a crowded mall parking lot, on the verge of tears. The holiday season had barely begun, and I was already stretched too thin. Between shopping, cooking, and trying to make everything “perfect,” I felt exhausted before the festivities had even started. And that made me feel even worse, because the Holidays have always been my favourite time of year!
Even though I was mid-breakdown, my “coach-brain” kicked in. One of the benefits of having 20 years as a Strength & Conditioning coach is that you are quick to identify problems, and even quicker to identify solutions! I knew I needed a plan to reduce my stress and let me enjoy again.
That’s when I committed to something simple: a short, high-intensity workout every morning. It felt counterintuitive at first. How could adding *one more thing* to my packed schedule help? But it wasn’t just helpful — it was a game-changer. Of course, I was already working out, but the shifting my gym time to the mornings, instead of the afternoons, had a significant benefit.
The holidays are stressful for most of us. There’s pressure to do everything, keep everyone happy, and stay “on top of it all.” Our bodies respond to this stress by releasing cortisol, the hormone that keeps us alert but can leave us feeling anxious and drained when it lingers too long. What I knew was that morning exercise—especially short, high-intensity sessions—helps the body regulate its daily cortisol cascade. So I was making sure my cortisol was at the right levels, throughout the day. Just 15-20 minutes was enough to lower my stress levels and give me a sense of calm I desperately needed.
One reason morning workouts work so well is that they eliminate decision fatigue. During the holidays, every day feels like a marathon of choices: gifts, meals, schedules, and more. Getting up, lacing on my sneakers, and moving my body first-thing gave me a sense of accomplishment before the day’s demands could take over. I didn’t have to worry about “when” I’d fit in exercise later—it was already done.
These workouts don’t have to be complicated. On some days, I’d do a quick bodyweight circuit: squats, push-ups, lunges, and some jumping jacks. Other days, I’d follow a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routine. The key wasn’t the specific moves—it was the fact that I started my day with intention. Those 20 minutes gave me more energy, a better mood, and the patience to handle holiday chaos.
I also noticed that my mindset shifted. Instead of feeling reactive to everything around me, I became more resilient. The act of showing up for myself, even in the smallest way, reminded me that I could handle what came my way—whether it was a crowded mall or a packed calendar.
If this season already feels overwhelming, I encourage you to try it. You don’t need equipment or a lot of time, just a few minutes of focused effort. Lay out your workout clothes the night before, set your alarm a little earlier, and start moving.
That holiday season didn’t magically become stress-free, but it felt different. I was different. By prioritizing movement each morning, I found calm amidst the chaos, and I even started to enjoy the little things again. You deserve that too. This year, give yourself the gift of time for *you.* It’s a habit that can make the holidays - and every day - brighter.