It's THAT time of the year! Here are tips to make the HO-HO-Holidays as happy, stress-free, and healthy as possible!
It's that time of year again!
Can you hear the Christmas bells ringing?
Highly likely, many people will travel a lot this season, have busy schedules, and spend lots of money on gifts. It’s no secret that the holidays are this thrilling and busy, and that’s why it can leave some of us feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and in some ways, unhealthy.
Here’s the thing: Although the holidays are about giving to and focusing on others, I’ve learned it’s also vital to give yourself a “personal well-being” gift.
Let’s face it. If you don’t take care of yourself, there’s no way you can take care of and entertain others, and enjoy the Yuletide season.
This is why at the start of the holidays, I take time to prepare my mind and body, and get in tune with my habits to make this season as enjoyable, stress-free, and healthy as possible.
Once I began this personal pre-holiday ritual, I found myself taking part in the merriment more. I’m also sharing these rituals with you to help you stay healthy throughout the “most wonderful time of the year.”
- Run-Run-Rudolph
One of the things I notice about the holidays is that countless hours are spent sitting because you’re usually talking with your relatives and friends over good food.
So, if you are far from home or the gym, you have to find other ways to get those necessary steps in. This is because moving each day is vital. Not only does your body crave movement, but moving is also known to counter bad moods.
My tip for getting a sufficient amount of movement this holiday season is to get outside. Try going for a walk after meals. If you go out at night, you and your family can also enjoy seeing all the holiday lights in your area.
- Baby-It’s-Cold-Outside-Meals
Temperatures in the U.S. and other parts of the world are starting to drop this season, so before leaving your home, make sure you have at least 3 layers of clothing on.
However, what does the winter season mean for our eating habits?
If you have read about Hygge (pronounced as hoo-gah) or are familiar with Ayurveda eating, you’ll know the importance of eating locally AND seasonally.
Generally, our bodies need grounding and nourishing meals especially during winter. So, eat pumpkins, apples, and potatoes. Additionally, root crops and hot teas will help keep your body full of energy and nutrients.
However, this does not mean eating an entire pumpkin or apple pie. What I’m saying is for example, you should combine your Greek yogurt with some apple slices and cinnamon. This will enable you to satisfy your mind and body’s craving for seasonal flavors while doing it in a healthy way.
- Silent Nights
My third ritual, which I NEVER compromise on, is my sleep schedule.
Experts have found that sleep is more impactful than any diet or exercise routine. So, no matter how much you exercise and how many sugar or calories you avoid, they will be useless if you don’t get enough sleep.
The reason for this is because having rest through sleeping improves both your mood and energy. Additionally, sleep is linked to curving extreme cravings. This means if you are not getting a good 7 to 9 hours of sleep, those delectable sugar cookies or slices of pumpkin pie may appear more appetizing than usual.
… and no, it’s not the holiday spirit bubbling within you! It’s just your body telling you something important.
- Last Christmas DON’Ts
Traditions are great, but they can also become outdated as years go by and generational preferences change.
That’s why each year, I reflect on what the previous year was like for me and my family. I ask myself what made the previous holiday season special, what my favorite holiday memory was, and how everyone acted.
Aside from that, I also ask myself what I would have changed that time, or if there were any moments I wish had not happened. Doing these evaluations enables me to go forward with innovative ideas and even better suggestions on what we can add or take away from our holiday traditions.
For instance: One year I noticed one dish at Thanksgiving was never even touched. Then, when I asked what everyone thought about this dish (I’ve always had this dish at Thanksgiving since I was a child), everyone said they disliked its taste. So, I proposed to replace it with something else. Thankfully, the new dish was a success and everyone in the family liked it!
The bottom line?
Never be afraid to create new traditions and replace some old ones if they are tedious or no longer appreciated.
- Take a “Grinch” Moment
If you know Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch,” then you know how this creature originally likes being alone and taking time for himself. However, as the story progresses, he eventually learns to enjoy the company of others.
Some of us might have been quick to judge the Grinch. However, if we look at the story through his perspective, we’ll realize that maybe, the Grinch is just onto something.
The lesson we can get from this story?
Taking time for yourself is vital. Clearing your mind and taking a breather will allow you to be more present and kinder towards yourself and those around you—especially at a time when you are juggling work, family, and friends.
One of the things I learned from my daughter is that 5 minutes is all you need some days. She suggested trying something like the 5-minute journal, or using a meditation app or timer to sit still. I plan to make this a habit this coming year.
I hope you find some inspiration from my pre-holiday rituals and apply them in preparing yourself for the holidays!
Overall, there are countless tips on how to stay healthy—not just physically but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—this season. I encourage you to write down your intentions and plans for staying healthy at this time of the year, as these will serve as a guidebook for you.
These tips will not only remind you of your intention to take care of yourself, but will also remind you of the importance of staying healthy so you can take care of your loved ones in the coming holidays.
Enjoy the season, everyone!
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