Your Holiday "Fitmas" Guide.
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!" -Buddy The Elf (my fav Christmas movie)
The holiday season is a time for celebration and spending time with loved ones. However, it can also be a time when our usual healthy habits fly out the window.
Between the abundance of delicious food and the busy schedules that come with the holidays, it can be easy to neglect our own needs and let unhealthy habits slip in.
However, it’s still important to prioritize our health and well-being, especially during the holiday season when stress and unhealthy habits can easily arise.
Here are 7 tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holiday season:
1. Practice self-care:
Make time for activities that nourish your body and mind, such as exercise, meditation, or a warm bath. Remember to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and take breaks when you need them.
2. Eat mindfully:
It can be tempting to indulge in all the delicious holiday treats but try to balance your meals with healthy options as well. Choose fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit your intake of sugary and fatty foods (even though that peppermint bark is calling your name).
NOTE:
Don't skip meals: It can be tempting to skip meals in order to save room for all the holiday feasts, but this can actually backfire. Skipping meals can lead to overeating and binging later on and can disrupt your metabolism.
Instead, try to stick to your usual eating schedule as much as possible and make sure to include balanced, healthy meals.
3. Stay active:
The holiday season can be a busy time, but it's important to make time for physical activity. This can help offset any extra calories you may be consuming and can also help reduce stress and improve your mood.
So, get off your butt and go for a walk, jog, hit the gym, or try a new workout class. Just don’t sit on the couch with MeeMaw all day watching Polar Express.
4. Stay hydrated:
It's easy to forget to drink water when you're focused on all the holiday festivities (I see that gallon of spiked eggnog in your fridge), but staying hydrated is important for maintaining good health. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and try to limit your intake of sugary drinks.
5. Practice stress management:
The holidays can be a stressful time, with all the added responsibilities and expectations, but it's important to find ways to manage that stress. This could include activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones. You can even try breathing techniques such as box breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage your stress.
6. Don't overdo it:
It's okay to indulge in your favorite holiday treats but try not to overdo it. Balance is always key, so it’s important to find that balance and remember to eat your treats in moderation.
7. Stay connected:
The holidays can also be a time of loneliness and isolation for some. Make an effort to connect with loved ones, whether in person or virtually, and seek support if you are feeling overwhelmed.
You may think someone isn’t thinking about you, but phones go both ways! They may be dying to catch up with you too.
Life is too short to go without speaking to the people you love!
In the end...
By following these tips, you can enjoy the holiday season while still taking care of your mind and body.
So enjoy that hot cocoa! And have a beer on me, BUT keep it at a healthy balance, will ya?
Much love and Happy Holidays!
🙇🏻♂️🌱 Until Next Time, C.
