8 Ways to Have a Happy & Healthy Holiday

It’s December, which means that the holiday season is officially upon us. People often spend the holiday season helping and taking care of those around them, at the expense of their own well-being.

During the winter months, you are more likely to get sick, especially when you’re stressed and overwhelmed. Any illness, especially during the holidays, can be a major inconvenience. This holiday season I urge you to take care of your own health too!

8 Tips for a Happy and Healthy Holiday

No matter what your plans are this holiday season, don’t forget to take some time and check in with your body’s needs. This is a journey that you’re on and it won’t always be perfect. Here are 8 tips you can try to make this holiday season a healthy one:

1. Listen to your body: The holidays can be a very stressful time, so make sure to take a few moments to check in with your body. Don’t ignore whatever signals your body is trying to send you, listen to what it needs! If your body is tired, lay down for a few minutes. If you body is stiff, get up and take a walk. If your body is saying you’re comfortably full during the meal, stop and know that you can always eat again later.

2. Say No to food pushers: Your family and friends mean well when they try to keep filling you up with delicious food, but try not to feel bad for saying no. You know your body better than anybody else and sometimes you have to take a pass on grandmother’s desserts. It’s not your job to make anyone else happy.

3. Remember there are always leftovers: Check in with your hunger and satiety cues every few bites. Don’t feel the pressure to keep eating when you are feeling full, you can always save food for leftovers!

4. Bring a side or appetizer that you enjoy: If you are unsure of what the host is preparing, ask if you can bring your own appetizer or side. This way you can ensure that there is a food option you feel comfortable eating.

5. Take time for yourself: Take a moment to step away from the chaos and take a deep breath. Whether it’s just for a moment, find a space to decompress and destress.

6. Don’t Skip Meals: Skipping a meal with the goal of saving calories prior to a holiday event can often cause you to approach the “big meal” feeling ravenous, leading to misread hunger and satiety cues.

7. Take a walk after dinner: After the table is cleaned and the leftovers are stored, gather your relatives and take a family stroll.

8. Try Recipe substitutions: Still want to enjoy all the traditional foods you love but want to spice things up a little bit? Swap ingredients out to create a new dish!

4 Quick Ways to Destress

Despite your best efforts to stay calm throughout the season, you may still be feeling overwhelmed. Here are 4 ways to quickly destress at holiday gatherings:

Use guided imagery to picture a peaceful scene that brings you serenity to elicit a relaxation response.

Try to take some deep breaths, there are many apps on your phone that can now walk you through breathing exercises.

Step outside and get away from all the noise for a few minutes.

Listen to some soothing music to help lower your blood pressure.

If these tips don’t work, try talking with someone about your feelings. Most people feel some higher level of stress during this time. It can be comforting to know you’re not alone!

No matter what holiday you will be celebrating this season, make sure it’s a healthy one! Follow these tips and enjoy quality time with the ones you love. Happy Holidays!

Your Turn To Action: Which tip above will you try this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below!