The holiday season is upon us. And with it, lots of good times and good food.
Unfortunately, maintaining health lifestyle habits often takes a backseat amidst all the festivities.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can enjoy a healthy, stress-free holiday season with these five easy steps.
1. Shoot for Smart Eating, Not Perfect Eating
It isn’t necessary to completely deny yourself around the holidays. Just be smart about how and what you eat.
Always start with healthy foods, like vegetables and lean proteins. These foods will help to fill you up and keep your blood sugar stable, so you don’t overdo it on sweets and snacks later.
When you do indulge, eat slowly and savor what you’re eating. Enjoy these special foods like the infrequent experience they are.
And stay hydrated. Thirst often feels like hunger, so drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep those hunger pangs under control.
2. Stay Active
Holiday schedules—especially if they involve travel—can make it hard to maintain your regular workout routine. As a substitute, try to incorporate exercise into your holiday activities.
Try walking around the mall before you start your holiday shopping or get the family out for a group walk after dinner.
If you’re staying in a hotel with a workout space, sneak in a half hour on the treadmill or exercise bike before your day starts.
Keep in mind that if you remain active during the holidays, it will be easier to get back into your regular exercise routine in the new year.
3. Manage Your Stress
The holidays can be a stressful time. Shopping, cooking, and juggling family time can feel overwhelming when they’re piled on top of your normal activities.
Rather than ignoring this stress…manage it! Any of the following can help you to stay relaxed during this hectic time:
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Quiet time (even ten minutes!)
- A brisk walk
Also, don’t allow your to-do list to become overwhelming. Break big tasks into smaller ones. Ask for help if you need it. And keep your holiday schedule manageable by saying “no” to social engagements when you need to.
4. Prioritize Good Sleep
Sleep is crucial for good health. But all too often, we burn the candle at both ends during the holiday rush.
To maintain good sleep during this time, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. Aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep per night so your body has a chance to rest and repair.
Also, try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals too close to bedtime, as all three can interfere with sleep quality.
And remember that a calming bedtime routine can make a big difference in how quickly you fall asleep. Take a warm bath or shower before bed. Read a good book. Listen to calming music. In other words, let your body know that it’s time to wind down.
5. Enjoy the Season
The holidays are a special time however you choose to celebrate them. But the holiday rush can make it easy to forget why we’re celebrating in the first place.
Take some time each day to focus on gratitude. A daily practice centered on gratitude keeps things in perspective and makes holiday stressors easier to manage.
All of the above is about balance. All you need is a bit of planning and some healthy choices to make the holidays enjoyable…and healthy.
We at Renew Youth hope you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season. And don’t forget…we’re here to help you optimize your health during the holidays and beyond. Need help? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.