10 Ways to Have A Healthier Holiday

Christmas is officially around the corner!

If you’re a health-conscious individual, then the anxiety is setting in.

You want to enjoy yourself and have some fun for the holidays, but you want to stay healthy and not go off the rails.

Or you’ve realized that your mom’s potato casserole’s going straight to the gut and isn’t burning off like it used to…

Either way, here are 10 solid ways to stay well – mentally and physically – during the Holidays.

1. Go easy on the booze

I wanted to get this one out of the way because everybody loves to drink during this time of the year.

I know, I know.

You’re home with the homies for Christmas and you want to toss a few back.

Mulled wine on Christmas Eve, Irish coffee in the morning, a couple of beers to cap off the evening… the list goes on.

I’m right there with ya, HOWEVER

After a while, those alcohol units can really add up.

Not only this but as you know, each beverage you consume has 100+ calories to its name.

So, yes, enjoy yourself and have some fun with family and friends! Just try to keep tabs on how much you’re drinking and have a soft drink or water in between each one.

2. Eat well (duh)

• Watch your portions: Whether you’re eating at home or at a holiday party, follow this simple rule → make half your plate fruits and veggies, one-quarter (or more) of protein, and one-quarter of carbs. This little trick will help keep those portions in line and ensure you’re not overconsuming unwanted macros.
• Adopt the 80/20 rule: To prevent overindulging (which I know is super hard during this time of year) I like to utilize the 80/20 rule. Eat healthy 80-90% of the time and unhealthy 20-10%. This keeps a healthy balance and still allows you to enjoy Grandma’s cookies.
• Leave the stuffing behind with Thanksgiving: Stop filling yourself to the teeth with food (and booze^). In Japan, they practice “Hara Hachi Bu”, which is the 80% full rule. Once you feel about 80% full, stop eating. This prevents overconsumption and reduces the risk of having that bloated, uncomfortable feeling after eating too much.
• Take the focus off food: The holidays often center all attention around meals, but togetherness is the true meaning and intention behind them. Avoid filling up on food and drinks by indulging in meaningful conversation and spending quality time with loved ones.

3. Find some “me time”

Chances are you’re running around finding gifts, making food, and trying to ensure everyone else has the “perfect holiday”, but what about you?

You don’t need to stress and have that constant anxiety that everyone else has during this time of year.

Prioritize some time for yourself and do something you enjoy.

• Take that workout class
• Run a couple miles
• Read that book you’ve been obsessing over
• Watch an episode of your show

You’ll feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to conquer everything the holiday season throws at you.

4. Engage your brain

Laziness loves to plague even the most productive people during the holiday season.

Instead of lounging in front of the TV all day, keep your mind active by playing some games with family and friends.

Not only does this help keep your mind engaged, but it’s a great way of getting everyone together.

And if you’re not a “game” person, a good book or any other activity you enjoy can keep that mind going.

Don’t let your brain turn to mush by being lazy.

5. Don’t sit down all day

Exercise shouldn’t be neglected just because it’s the holidays.

• Be prepared to exercise outside your routine: You may not be able to stick to your normal workout regimen with the chaos of the holiday season. Keep a couple of workout fits packed to the side and get a good workout in whenever you have a free couple of hours. You could even be an eager beaver and early bird and work out before everyone wakes up for the day. It’s just a matter of staying flexible (but not feeling guilty for messing up routine) during this time of year.
• Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of exercise a day: Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, exercising for a short amount of time is much better than not exercising at all. Motion is lotion, and we need movement to stay healthy and mobile. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse to neglect all of this.

6. Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep and recovery is the most important aspect of health and well-being.

Just because it’s the holiday season, doesn’t mean it should be neglected.

Sleeping is both a relaxing and restorative activity.

It will help you ward off winter colds and increase your energy to take on the day.

Get your 7-8+ hours of sleep each night.

7. Find opportunities for exercise

We previously talked about having flexibility in our workout routine during the holidays.

It’s also good to find opportunities for exercise in everyday activities.

For example, take the stairs rather than the elevator, park further away from buildings, or take a lap or two around the store before you start Christmas shopping.

These are simple ways to get some steps in that can even be translated into everyday life year-round.

There’s always a way to get a little extra movement throughout your day.  

8. Wash your hands

We all remember the steps to washing our hands from grade school, yet there are still many people out there who like to neglect this.

The holiday season also marks the start of cold and flu season.

Avoid getting sick by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

Also, avoid touching your face too often to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into your system or breaking out your skin!

9. Catch up with family and friends

I preach this religiously and it’s just as important this time of the year as any.

We are a social species.

We need social interaction as humans for happiness and contentment in life.

Being home for Christmas is a great way to practice this.

Yes, there may be that aunt or uncle that triggers your fight-or-flight, but catch up with parents or your cousin that you rarely get to see!

Or especially talk to Grandma and Grandpa because you’ll only get so many more instances to do so in the future.

10. Let go of perfection

Last but not least, no one’s perfect. 

No one.

Practice these tips and stay healthy as much as possible but don’t get too wrapped up into them.

It’s important to make our healthy habits a lifestyle year round that will translate into the holiday’s just as seamlessly.

However, if you end up binge eating (or drinking) one night, don’t beat yourself up over it.

Take the lesson from it, see how your body reacted after it, and move on.

Tomorrow’s a new day.

🏁 In the end…

The holiday season is for gratefulness, togetherness, giving, and cheer.

Stay healthy, be well, catch up with loved ones, and be well.

Enjoy.

Until Next Time, C.