The holidays can be stressful and draining. Keep yourself well so you can give to others
It’s already November. Hard to believe the year is on its last leg, and the holidays are just around the corner.
This is the time of year when everyone gets more stressed as they have less time to get all the things done they want to in order to celebrate the holidays.
The issue with getting ready and enjoying the holidays is that people tend to put their own wellness on the back burner. They start making other things a priority rather than their wellness. The next thing you know, you’re tired, sick, and not able to enjoy the holidays the way you wanted to in the first place.
Poor wellness decisions add up quickly, and you need to put yourself and your wellness first. Some people may think this is selfish, especially when giving to others is the theme of the season. Think of it differently and try to adopt this mantra:
“The healthier you are, the more you have to give to others at the best you can be.”
Think of it as a gift to yourself and others around you.
We give up so much of ourselves to family, friends, co-workers and clients, it can be overwhelming to try to fit it all in. Try to remember these tips to help to make your holiday season healthier and less stressful. Here are some pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Get your winks. People try to cram so much in a short amount of time. There are so many invites and functions to go to, as well as planning and preparations on your part. Try to keep the same bedtime and limit the amount of late nights out, especially on nights when you have an early morning the next day.
“It’s the holidays – What could it hurt?” Most people adopt this thinking around the holidays and abandon any healthy eating they’ve established. Don’t get me wrong — enjoy yourself. But don’t indulge too much. If you overdo it one day, be sure to manage your calories and activity the next day.
“Nog me.” People forego drinking enough water and indulge on holiday drinks that are high in calories and have no nutritional value. You actually could be drinking more calories than you’re eating. What can you do? Keep a bottle of water with you at all times. This will make it easier to pass on the seasonal drinks. Not festive enough? Get yourself a holiday-themed cup or water bottle. healthy holiday eating
“I’ll get to it.” Procrastinating is inevitable, with shopping, cooking, planning, cards and all the other responsibilities of the holiday season. What can you do? Use that smartphone. Set reminders to finish certain tasks that need to be done before a certain date. Take pictures of gift ideas and note the store they are in. Pre-make food items and freeze them, and have a few “giveaway” items ready for unexpected visitors.
Putting off exercise. People are so tired at the end of the day they just can’t see themselves getting in time at the gym. “I have a million other things to do.” Make exercise part of your day, like taking a shower or brushing your teeth. It’s less likely that you’ll blow off exercise if you think of it as a must-do and less of an extra activity.
Increased exposure to people are sick. People get sick around the holidays — there is nothing you can do about that. You don’t want to miss events and spending time with friends and family. The best thing to do is WASH YOUR HANDS (yes, all caps). It’s that important. If you don’t think you’ll be able to get to a sink, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you. Also, if you’re sick, stay home. No one wants to miss out on a good time, but it’s not worth getting other people sick.
Another great thing for your immune system is to eat healthy food that helps your digestive system. Your digestive system is so important it’s referred to as your “second brain.” It really is the heart of your immune system.
The biggest mistake you can make is trying to get everything perfect and setting yourself up for disappointment and stress. Relax and don’t sweat the small stuff. I guarantee that if you are feeling rested and healthy, the small stuff won’t seem that important, and you will be better able to handle whatever the holidays can throw at you.
Good luck, get moving, and set yourself apart!
Have a happy and healthy holiday.
