Oh deck the halls, and send in Santa and be sure to not forget all the family, with all the craziness that family brings. The holidays are a great time for us to remember how special family is and what the gift of Jesus has done for all of us. But it is also a time when family emotions are at an all-time high. Families seem to be able to bring out the best in each other and the worst, all at the same time.

According to the Thomas Plante, Ph.D., when we are spending a lot of time with family at Christmas it is good for us to remember to take an "Adult time out" during our visits. It seems that we just might need a way to remove ourselves from becoming overwhelmed by all the family. One of the best ways he feels to do this is to take a walk around the block, or do some deep breathing while removing ourselves from the situation. He feels that exercise might just be the perfect way to take a time out for ourselves.

As a physical therapist, I think this whole idea of using exercise to reduce the tension of this time of year is the best idea I have heard of in a long time. I know that our family has often decided to go to play basketball at the gym or meet to ski and snowboard with each other. I remember one family time that all of us ladies decided we needed to get out alone together and we went to a Zumba class and laughed and danced for an hour. Other times we have decided that we just need to go walking down the street, and feel the fresh air and see the change of scenery. Sometimes when the snow is flying, we just toss everyone outside and sled the hill near our house for as long as we can keep trekking the hill. I have to say it's fun to see my parents who are in there '70s now, riding a sled together and yelling the whole way down the hill.

Exercise, whether walking, sledding or skiing, is a great way to de-stress any time of year, but might be especially important this time of year when the emotions of our lives are at an all time high. According to the Mayo Clinic.com, "exercise increases the beta-endorphins and serotonin levels. Beta-endorphins can improve your mood by producing a sense of euphoria, and serotonin stabilizes your mood by regulating other brain chemicals." Exercise can all increase your immunity, so you don't get sick as easy, and it can also mitigate your stress response overall.

So this holiday season, don't forget to be thankful for your family and all the quirkiness that they bring to your life. We don't get to choose our family, but we do get to choose how we will love and honor them. Remember, it is normal for tensions to escalate during the holidays, it happens all over this country. However, it doesn't mean that you need to fall prey to the tensions and the stress and toss your family out. Stop, and take an "Adult time out" with a little walk around the block to see the Christmas lights and then do some deep breathing while you shop, cook, clean and wrap presents. Please remember, you alone get to choose your life and your exercise regime is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy life for a long time with the tolerance to love all of your family.

Sheree DiBiase, PT, is owner of Lake City Physical Therapy (208) 667-1988. She and her staff would like to wish you a wonderful holiday season with all your family! And don't forget to take a time out to exercise and do some deep breathing, because we all need a little "adult time out" every once and a while.