The Holidays are a time of year filled with the joy of family, friends, and festivities. It’s a time when we tend to overindulge in celebration.
Higher consumption of fatty foods, sugary candies, and alcoholic beverages is traditionally accepted during the holidays.
It is a more stressful time of year as well. Our normal schedules are inundated with Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, decorating, and dinner preparations.
We often forego our routine exercise regimen, healthy eating habits, and personal relaxation due to time restraints.
Throw in the ingredients of maxed-out credit cards, long lines at stores, figuring out what to buy your 12-year-old niece, and you have a recipe for stress!
Mindfulness is key to a joyful holiday season.
Proper preparation before the holidays will allow you to enjoy this festive time of year to the fullest.
Planning your schedule in advance will ease the tension of hasty and unhealthy decisions throughout the holidays.
Keep Santa’s belly on Santa.
Here are a few tips for healthy eating habits during the season:
· Drink a lot of water and limit your alcohol consumption. If you are inclined to indulge in the spirits at a party, drink a glass of water in between cocktails… always stay hydrated!
· Don’t show up at a party on an empty stomach. Have a healthy snack before leaving to curb your appetite and consume less “fatty” appetizers.
· At a dinner buffet, walk around the table first and choose fruits and veggies instead of taking small portions of everything. Then distance yourself from the table to avoid constant “picking and dipping”.
· At Christmas dinner, eat a good portion of leafy greens, veggies, and fruits without all the heavy creams and sauces. Try limiting your intake of starchy foods and rich desserts. Have a slice of pumpkin pie without the whipped cream on top!
Trim the tree while staying trim.
Here are a few exercise tips to consider during the season:
· If you happen to abandon your regular exercise routine, take 15 minutes in the morning and in the evening for some cardio activity such as a brisk jog, a bike ride, or a walk with the dog.
· While you are out shopping for gifts, park at the end of the parking lot and walk to the store entrance to burn a few more calories. (be sure to do this during the day or in a well-lit parking lot in the evening… always be aware of your surroundings and stay safe)
· Drive to a neighborhood to view Christmas light displays or luminaries and, instead of just driving through, park the car and get out to walk the area.
Hang your lights without losing your sanity.
Here are a few tips to keep you sane and stress-free during the season:
· Make your Christmas card list and send them out at the beginning of the month. It’s one less thing to worry about.
· Figure out all the people you need to buy gifts for and set a monetary limit for each one that fits within your budget without overextending yourself.
· Do most of your Christmas shopping online early in the comfort of your home. If you are out shopping, have them wrap the gifts for you in the store.
· Most importantly, take some time out each week to spend with yourself. Enjoy some relaxation, meditation, and stretching. This alone will help eliminate any unwanted stress. Always take care of yourself!
I hope you enjoy these helpful tips and, most of all, enjoy this wonderful holiday season!