Having a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season

Having a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us. This is a wonderful time of year to enjoy yourself, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on life’s blessings. However, it can also be difficult to stay healthy and happy during this time. Many of us are anxious or stressed during the holidays, and a busy social schedule can make it tough to eat well, exercise enough, and live a healthy lifestyle

Here are some tips for having a happy and healthy holiday season.

Get Enough Sleep

The holidays can be stressful and busy. You might think that staying up late or getting up early will help you squeeze in a few extra productive hours into the day, but cutting back on sleep can actually be detrimental. Not only will it leave you feeling tired (which makes you less productive, more prone to making mistakes, and can cause you to make unhealthy food choices) but a lack of sleep can also negatively affect your mood and increase your likelihood of getting sick.

Stay Hydrated

During the colder months, you might think you don’t need to drink very much water. However, it’s still important to stay hydrated. Carry a refillable water bottle with you and drink from it frequently. Not only is it good for your health, but you’ll feel more upbeat and alert as well.

Chop Up Your Workout

You may not have time to do a 30-minute or 60-minute workout when you’re busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still exercise. Try to fit in several smaller workouts (10 or 15 minutes) throughout the day whenever you have time. Not only will this improve your physical health, but regular exercise can help you cope with stress.

Eat Proper Meals

When you’re in a rush, it’s tempting to skip meals. However, doing so means that you’re more likely to overeat later on, or that you’ll choose quick “convenience” foods, such as fast food or vending machine snacks, instead of healthy meals. Make sure you take the time to eat healthy meals, no matter how busy you are.

It’s also important to eat a proper meal before you head to a holiday party. Some people have a tendency to skip eating before a party so they “have room” to eat at the event, but this often backfires. If you go to a party hungry, you’re more likely to overeat and choose unhealthy options. Instead, have a healthy meal before you head out and this will make it easier for you to snack in moderation once you get there.

No matter how you celebrate, have a happy and healthy holiday season!