The holiday season is full of yummy food, family gatherings, and parties with friends. Although this time of year can be filled with so much joy, it can also take a toll on our bodies. The stress of traveling home to see family, keeping track of all the parties and trying to fit in as many happy hours as possible can all add up quickly. However, there is no need to stress! There are many ways you can navigate this holiday season without feeling like it will kill you. Here are some tips for staying healthy during the holiday season:
- Eat well
If you’re hosting a holiday party, keep healthy options on hand for your guests to snack on. If you’re attending a party, try to bring a healthy dish to share. Getting enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats in your diet can help curb your appetite and keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you have a sweet treat, eat less carbs during your meal.
- Please don’t overdo it on alcohol
If you’re attending a party, be mindful of how much you drink. If you’re the host, don’t pressure your guests to drink too much. If you’re hosting a party, try to offer a variety of beverages. Consider serving sparkling water with citrus and herbs.
- Exercise regularly
While the holidays are a time to celebrate, they are also a time to reflect. Take some time to think about the past year and all your accomplishments. This can help refocus you on your goals while remembering the importance of family and friends. Try to work out at least once a week during the holidays. You can even try squeezing in a workout while traveling. Exercise can help reduce stress, boost your mood, improve sleep, and even help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Get enough sleep
You might find yourself staying up late and sleeping in even later during the holidays. While this can be fun, it can also hurt your health. Sleep is important for your health because it allows your body to recharge and repair itself. Sleep can help lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, decrease your risk of certain cancers, and even help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage your stress
Even if you’re able to eat well and get enough sleep, if you’re struggling to manage your stress, it could hurt your health. Stress can increase your blood pressure and cholesterol and affect your digestive system. Doing yoga, meditation, or even just taking some time to go for a walk outside can all be helpful ways to cope with holiday stress.
- Track what you eat and drink
If you struggle to maintain a healthy diet, keeping track of what you’re eating can be helpful. You can do this by writing down what you eat and drinking water to keep track of your hydration. This can help you keep yourself accountable and make it easier to make healthier choices next time.
