How to Turn Your Christmas Shopping into an Exercise Routine

**Note: the following advice comes solely from the writer's personal experience. The writer is not a paid health professional or employee of any health-related organization, and does not have a college degree specializing in any health-related field.

It's official: Christmas season is upon us and you know what that means. That's right. Shopping! If you're anything like me, the insanity of holiday gift hunting is a little too much to handle. Fighting crowds and standing in lines is not only a hassle but often physically exhausting. Fortunately, you can use this time of Christmas shopping to your physical advantage. After all, if you're going to be running around like a chicken with your head cut off, you might as well get a good work out.

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink Plenty of Water

If you will be walking (or in the case of some shoppers, jogging or running) for several hours, you will need to keep yourself well hydrated. Purified bottled water is typically the best way to go. It's easy to tote in a purse or shopping bag and will keep you energized for those long hours spent on your feet. Refrain from drinking large amounts of soft drinks, energy drinks and coffee and these will only dehydrate you.

2. Maintain a Brisk Walking Pace

Odds are you will be in a hurry anyway, but this can actually be a good thing. Try to keep a steady rhythm to your walking. Health and fitness research has shown walking to help control blood pressure and even reduce the risk of heart attack. The 20-Year Nurses' Health Study of over 72,000 female nurses found that walking a mere three hours a week is associated with a 30% to 40% lower risk of heart disease in women. Not to mention, any form of brisk walking is always a catalyst for weight loss and weight control. You simply can't go wrong here.

3. Watch What You Eat

Speaking of weight, you certainly don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that the vast majority of American shopping malls are busting at the seams with a slew of fast food restaurants. Hamburgers, fries, greasy tacos and soft drinks can make for an unhealthy and sickening meal, leaving you unable to finish your shopping.

Be mindful of what you will eat during your Christmas errands. If you must eat out, choose healthier options, such as sandwich shoppes, cafés, etc. Eat light and try to drink water or juice whenever possible. A heavy meal will not sit well on your stomach as you continue walking and shopping. If possible, take some healthy snacks with you - either in the car or even store them in your purse. Granola bars, fruit, etc. are great things to snack on while walking around and will always be healthier than any form of greasy fast food.

4. Jog from Store to Store

If walking is too easy for you, why not jog from one store to the next, particularly in outdoor shopping malls? If each store is relatively close in proximity, a stretch of jogging in between each one could do your body some good. Be aware of cold weather during the holiday seasons. If your lungs are likely to fill with cold air, you will want to shorten each segment of jogging to a minimal distance to avoid over exerting yourself.

Remember that you control your physical health. While you're out shopping this Christmas season, you might as well get some exercise in or, at the least, stay healthy while doing it.