Another option, one that I haven't tried but I think should work, is to make a reservation for one night as far out into the future as you can for a Cat. 1 hotel. Pick any Cat. 1 hotel in the world. It doesn't matter because you will cancel the reservation before the reservation dates arrive.

I do believe that using points for an award counts as "activity" and therefore will keep your points active.

Now, if you decide you really want to use the points before the "mock" reservation dates, just cancel the award, get the points redeposited into your account and order your new award.

If you don't want to use your points before the mock reservation date, a month or so before the "mock" reservation date arrives, make another 1-night reservation somewhere and then cancel your original "mock" reservation. Keep doing this until you really want/need to use the points.