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Easy tips to help you stay active this festive season As the festive season approaches, it can be easy (and quite tempting) to allow your exercise routine to go out of the window in favour of watching Christmassy films, shopping until you drop and going to lots of parties.

However, it's not really good for your body to suddenly stop your usual level of activity altogether in favour of absolutely nothing.

And while you may think you couldn't possibly spare any time at all in which to keep fit, it may be easier than you think to squeeze in a little bit of cardio activity during the run-up to Christmas Day.

Motley Health recommends looking ahead in your diary and actually scheduling in some exercise every so often, then sticking to it as though it were an important business meeting.

"Thinking you'll 'get around to it' just doesn't happen when there are gifts to buy, foods to prepare and family to visit. Make a plan, write it down and stick to it".

You could also be creative with the types of exercise you do, as the website points out that even necessary activities could be burning calories - for instance, walking around the block to look at the festive displays in shop windows will stretch your legs a little.

Furthermore, hardcore Christmas shopping could get rid of as many as 200 calories in one go, especially if you climb stairs instead of using escalators!

If you're struggling to get motivated, Motley Health recommends getting together with an exercise buddy so you're more likely to stick to your routine. And if you do slip up and fail to exercise for a few days, don't let this give you an excuse to stop until New Year!

"Exercise now - even if it is just once. Some exercise is always better than none at all," the article recommended.

Don't forget that you could even get some exercise on Christmas Day itself, Fitness Tips for Life advises.

Set your alarm for half an hour earlier than usual and go for a brisk walk before opening your presents, then try to do the same again after your Christmas dinner has settled instead of falling asleep over the Top of the Pops Special.

To squeeze in just a little extra calorie-burning, Weight Loss Resources suggests playing some active party games in the evening, which could include pass the parcel with active forfeits or a quick go on the Wii.

If you do at least some of these things over the festive season, you could avoid the January blues that come with your clothes feeling tighter than usual - and you could even have a more fun Christmas as a result!