The holiday season is a time we all look forward to, a time to unwind, spend quality time with loved ones, and indulge in numerous treats. But as much as we all look forward to the festivities, the holidays can also come with numerous challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining our health and wellness. It’s that time of the year when we tend to abandon our healthy habits and overindulge in food and alcohol, leading us towards unwanted health complications. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some useful tips on how to stay on track and maintain your overall well-being during the holiday season.
With all the delicious food, drinks, and social gatherings taking center stage, it can be easy to put our healthy habits on hold. But it’s essential to prioritize our wellbeing during this period so we can enjoy the season to its fullest. If you are thinking you need a bit of extra help or looking for some encouragement and guidance after the holidays, consider a wellness coach from our Patient Advocate Match Directory of Healthcare Services.
The holiday season can be chaotic, but planning ahead can help you stay on track. Schedule time for exercise, prepare healthy meals and snacks, and make time for self-care. Also, make sure to get enough sleep every night, as lack of sleep can contribute to stress, mood swings, and reduced productivity.
1. Stay Active
Maintaining your fitness routine during the holiday season can be a challenging task. However, staying active is crucial for burning off extra calories and keeping your energy levels up. You can engage in any physical activity that you enjoy, such as brisk walks, jogs, yoga, or hitting the gym, to keep yourself motivated and energized. Regular exercise also helps reduce stress levels, making it easier for you to manage the holiday hustle.
Consistency is key, so try to fit in some physical activity every day. Not only will exercise help you physically, but it can also reduce stress and help you stay calm during this busy period. Having access to a treadmill at home or exercise videos can help you be consistent and squeeze in those workouts. One of my favorite techniques to get my 10,000 steps in when I am super busy is to get on the treadmill for 15 minutes. That’s about 2500 steps and just 3-4 times on the treadmill throughout the entire day and I get it done!
2. Prioritize Your Mental Health
The holidays can be a stressful time, and it’s common to get caught up in the flurry of activities and lose track of mental wellbeing. Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can be incredibly helpful in reducing stress levels, improving focus, and coping with anxiety. Try to take a few minutes each day to tune out, clear your mind, and recharge your batteries. You’ll find that you have renewed energy to face everything that the holidays throw your way. Consider adding a yoga video or live workout to help with mindfulness. For those aging adults that are concerned with the positions of yoga we have a free chair yoga session for you from one of our Health and Wellness Coaches and Nurse Practitioner.
3. Stick to a Healthy Diet
While cookies, cocktails, and pumpkin pie may all be tempting, it’s essential to stick to a healthy diet as much as possible. You don’t have to deprive yourself of all the festive treats, but indulge wisely. Try to fill up on vegetables and lean proteins before diving into the desserts and sweets. Additionally, remember to drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with added sugar or high-calorie content.
Drinking enough water is essential for good health, especially during the holiday season. With so many delicious drinks and cocktails around, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid sugary drinks. Drinking enough water can help reduce bloating and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.
Also, don’t skip meals, as this can lead to overeating and unhealthy food choices.
Be sure to take your time and enjoy each meal, this will help you eat more mindfully. Additionally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce the chances of overeating.
Don’t forget to be open with family and friends if you have food restrictions. It is ok to get this out in the open.
By karepa Adobe Stock Photos
4. Practice Family Self-care
Family self-care is all about making sure that everyone in the family is taking the time and space to care for themselves. It boils down to setting boundaries, engaging in relaxation activities, and prioritizing quality time with loved ones. Communicate with each other about what you hope to get out of the holiday period. You can organize family yoga, take nature walks, or engage in other wellness activities that allow you to bond and relax together.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, getting adequate sleep might be the last thing on your mind. However, getting quality sleep is crucial to your health and wellbeing. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule daily, aiming for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. A well-rested mind and body are better equipped to tackle the holiday chaos.
During the holiday season, it’s essential to get enough rest. Sleep is essential for your overall well-being, and not getting enough sleep can have several health consequences. Try to get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Remember, the holiday season is supposed to be a time for relaxation, so don’t overwork even if it sometimes seems inevitable. Rest up, recuperate and prepare yourself for the next day.
Watch the overindulgence of alcohol during the holidays as this can make getting a good night’s sleep much more difficult. You may fall to sleep faster but then find yourself waking and tossing and turning for much of the rest of the night waking up still feeling tired.
Conclusion:
The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and celebration. However, it’s also a time when maintaining our health and wellness can be challenging. With these practical tips, you can enjoy the festivities while staying healthy and well. Remember to prioritize your physical and mental health, stay hydrated, plan ahead, and be mindful of your food choices. Have a happy and healthy holiday season!
Take care and we will see you back here soon!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Pam,
Patient Advocate Match-”Matching the Right Healthcare Resources for the Right Reasons.”
Resources
Health and Wellness Coaches and Healthcare Professionals
Patient Advocate Match-A Directory of Healthcare Services
https://www.verywellfit.com/tips-for-healthy-habits-during-holidays-5208222
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/keep-your-health-habits-on-track-during-the-holidays
