Exercise away holiday stress Published Dec. 8, 2006 By Maj. Darrick Cunningham Life Skills Support Center POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Have you ever gotten sick while under a lot of stress? Stress reduces our ability to fight colds, infections and disease, leaving your body increasingly vulnerable to attack. The holiday season can result in added stress due to time crunches and demanding schedules. In addition to the usual routine, now there is additional shopping, baking and holiday parties. To make more time, you may be tempted to cut exercise from your routine. Don't make this terrible mistake. Physical activity can help relieve the stress of the holidays, not to mention exercising away all those calories in holiday goodies. Shoot for at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week, in addition to muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises. Use those 30 minutes to recharge your spirits and organize what you need to do. Choose physical activities that you love to do and include your family in the activities. Get your kids into the act early - and they will enjoy a lifetime of fitness and fun. Eating patterns are also important. During periods of stress, some people will eat less, some may eat more, and others may turn to alcohol or subsist on coffee. Each scenario can cause an imbalance of neurotransmitters resulting in a mind and body that looks, feels and reacts poorly. Timing and planning of meals is important. Research has consistently shown that many Americans rely on fast food due to the lack of meal planning. Skipping meals exhausts glucose reserves leaving your brain and body with an energy deficit. Eating every four to six hours refuels your mind and body and replenishes those glycogen stores. Choose carbohydrate snacks like pretzels, bagels, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, crackers or cereal to meet your nutritional demands between meals.