How Can I Keep Healthy Through This Upcoming Holiday Season?

The impending holiday season can present a myriad of challenges that make it difficult to stay on track with your health goals or to maintain your healthy lifestyle. Many people find themselves dealing with a variety of stressors that can disrupt their routines and lead to unhealthy habits. This season can bring with it a whirlwind of activities and obligations, from attending social gatherings to shopping for gifts, which can add to increased levels of stress. Added stress can make it harder to prioritize self-care and maintain a balanced approach to health.

Further, the holiday season is notorious for lavish meals and indulgent treats. Many people find themselves dining out more frequently or enjoying extravagant meals with family and friends, where the less nutritious food choices can feel overwhelming. The temptation to indulge in richer foods, sugary desserts, and festive cocktails can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety about one's food choices. Also, if you are traveling to visit family or taking a vacation, routine changes can make it challenging to maintain an exercise regimen or find healthy food options, leading to further frustration and potential self-doubt.

Despite these challenges, there are several strategies you can implement to help you feel at peace with yourself and your choices during this busy time of year.

1. Manage your stress - Make sure you make time for yourself! Take a walk, meditate, take an exercise/yoga class, call a friend, journal . . . find something that you can do that is just for you to maintain a good head space. The holidays can also be the perfect time to practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Embrace the joys of the season and remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a long-term commitment that can accommodate occasional indulgences.

2. Avoid skipping meals - Many people skip meals around the holidays to save calories for the "big" meal. Although this may seem like a good idea, it can leave you feeling sluggish or with a headache, both during the day before the meal or later after eating. This practice often leads to overeating and blood sugar spikes, which can make you feel unwell and negatively affect your body (if you regularly practice intermittant fasting, your body may not respond in this way). It is best to maintain regular eating habits leading up to a holiday meal celebration.

3. Stay hydrated - Keeping yourself hydrated is crucial, yet it is often overlooked when we're busy traveling, socializing, or reconnecting with loved ones. Ensuring you drink sufficient water can help you feel your best during this hectic time and assist in preventing illness, curbing hunger, and avoiding overeating. A helpful suggestion is to drink a glass of water between meals and one during each meal.

4. Sleep - We all understand the long-term importance of sleep, but even in the short term, lack of sleep can lead to very undesirable effects. Unfortunately, it's often the first thing that we sacrifice when we have extra things to do. WIthout adequate sleep, our immune systems become less effective, our mental clarity can diminish, and our mental health may suffer (which can be particularly significant during this time of year). Priortize your sleep, and if you're traveling, consider taking a sleep mask with you to ensure a dark room and maximize your sleep quality.

5. Eat mindfully - Take your time and savor your meals at gatherings. Avoid being overly rigid about your food choices. A balanced approach is to make healthy decisions 80% of the time and allow yourself to indulge 20% of the time. Being too strict can lead to overeating or negative feelings. Pause for a few minutes before getting a second helping (this is a great opportunity to refill your water!). Enjoy your food without feeling guilty.

6. Move your body - While you may not be following your usual excercise routine while traveling or during the holidays, don't worry. Instead, find ways to incorporate physical activity into your schedule. A brisk walk after meals can help balance your blood sugar, reduce stress, and improve you mood! You also might consider fitting in some movement earlier in the day before your plans begin.

Keep in mind that maintaining balance is crucial during this busy and often stressful time. Don't be hard on yourself for missing a workout or not eating perfectly. It is essential to approach this season with a mindset of moderation. Enjoy your time connecting with others and do what you can to prioritize your health and feel your best. By utilizing these strategies, you can navigate the holiday season with greater ease and confidence, ultimately supporting your overall well-being.