6 Health and Wellness Tips for the Holidays
The holiday season presents occasions where straying from your routine is easy and can make it challenging to stick to your health goals.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years revolve around food and gatherings with loved ones. It can be challenging to say no to that extra glass of eggnog when you are in the holiday spirit with relatives you see once a year (which may be a good or bad thing). There are many great reasons to be social and drink and eat more than typical, so don't limit yourself. Find a balance that allows you to enjoy yourself while still making your health and well-being a priority.
Fit in your exercise in the morning
Don't let the responsibilities of the day stop you from finding time to exercise. By scheduling 30 minutes into your morning routine, you eliminate the risk of excuses for why you can't do it. The best part of a morning workout is to feel productive and energized to tackle the rest of your day's activities.
Practice self-control when it comes to food and alcohol
This is always easier said than done – so try your best. Mix in water between cocktails and try not to be the one who eats the entire cheese ball before the party starts.
Get your 8 hours of sleep
Getting an adequate amount of sleep will help you manage the stress of the holidays, uplift your mood, and you will be more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day.
Make a workout calendar
The great thing about holiday activities is they are planned far in advance. Mark these days in your planner and schedule your workouts around them. Know you have your office party Friday night? Then cancel your 9:00 spin class Saturday morning so that you avoid a late cancellation fee and mark your Saturday as a rest day.
Eat a healthy breakfast and lunch
Most holiday activities take place in the evening, where it is harder to control what you eat when you eat and how much you eat. An easy way to feel good about indulging in evening activities is to eat breakfast and lunch at home. Fill these meals with whole grains, healthy fats, and lots of leafy vegetables.
Find an excellent at-home workout
Days can be chilly, evenings dark, and your motivation to leave the house in these conditions can be minimal despite your desire for a workout. Investing in a few at-home pieces of workout gear, like a pair of dumbbells, mini bands and a skipping rope, can be an excellent option for the days you would rather stay home or only have 30 minutes to spare in your busy schedule.