Taking Care of YOU During the Holidays

Taking Care of YOU During the Holidays

Believe it or not, we are coming into the holiday season. This time of year offers lots of special gatherings, but can also be an especially hectic and challenging time. It might be hard to stay focused on your health goals. We are here to say a) that’s ok and b) here are a few tips to help you stay on track (or close to it!)

Drink lots of water

Staying hydrated is important anytime, but particularly during the holidays when there may be alcoholic drinks around. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine output and dries you out. Drinking plenty of water can counter that effect. You can make staying hydrated more tasty and fun by using natural flavorings such as apples, cinnamon, mint, and berries.

Eat healthy meals

We all enjoy a few indulgent meals during the holidays. To balance those out, try to make your other meals healthy. Planning meals ahead can also help to avoid overeating.

Keep exercising

With all the extra activities during the holidays, it’s easy to let your normal workout slide. It’s important to keep exercising during this time, because, as we know, it helps both your physical and mental health. If you can’t get to the gym, make sure you move your body in other ways, like a walk, online yoga class, etc. 

Pick your favorites

It’s tempting to sample all the wonderful homemade foods at holiday gatherings, but that leads to a heaping plate and overeating. Pick just a few favorites instead to savor.

Maintain your sleep schedule

Cramming a lot of events into a few weeks can interrupt your sleep pattern, which in turn leads to fatigue and poor eating habits. Going to bed and waking up at your normal times helps keep your body and mind healthy during this busy time of year.

Make time for yourself

We want to spend as much time with family and friends as possible at this time of year, but you should also block out some “me time” as well. Doing some relaxing activities, such as reading or taking a walk in the woods, can help keep your emotional health in balance.