Looking for tips to build healthy habits around the Holidays? The holidays are a time for celebrating and spending with family and friends. However, for many people, the holidays can also be a time of stress and unhealthy eating. With more than 41% of people using the holidays as an excuse to postpone being healthy, it’s no wonder that weight gain is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions.
However, maintaining your health during the holidays doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy yourself. By following these seven essential habits, you can stay on track with your health goals and enjoy the holiday season.
Self Care Tips to Follow During the Holidays
Let’s dive into your list of healthy habits and self care ideas for the holidays!!
Schedule “Me” Time Every Day
It can become really easy to forget about taking care of yourself during the holiday season, especially if you plan on hosting guests or traveling. However, it’s crucial that you schedule at least 15 minutes of “me” time ahead of time to ensure that you’re getting the rest and relaxation that you need. This self-care time can be used for anything from reading a book to taking a bath or walking.
Consider your schedule around the holidays to ensure that you can realistically commit to this healthy habit. For example, if your family is full of late risers or you tend to travel, schedule your “me” time for first thing in the morning or right before bed. This way, you can still make time for your loved ones while also taking care of yourself.
Scheduling me-time is definitely one of the key tips in build healthy habits around the Holidays!
Eat Mindfully
It’s easy to overeat when there are so many tempting holiday cookies and dishes, but mindfully eating will help you avoid overeating and feeling uncomfortable later on.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your favorite holiday foods, but it does mean being aware of how much you’re eating and savoring each bite.
You can even set up a healthy eating schedule to ensure that the “bigger” meals don’t feel as daunting. For example, you might want to start your day with a nutritious breakfast, have a light lunch, and then enjoy a heartier dinner.
If you’re traveling for the holidays, make sure to pack healthy snacks and meals so that you’re not relying on fast food or unhealthy options. This will help you stay on track with your eating goals and avoid feeling sluggish later on.
Set Expectations With Loved Ones
The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends, but this doesn’t mean you have to be available 24/7.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, setting boundaries with your loved ones is perfectly okay. For example, you might need some time alone to decompress after a long day of shopping or visiting relatives.
It’s also important to set expectations regarding gifts and holiday activities. For example, if you have a strict budget, let your loved ones know so they don’t go overboard with their gift-giving. Similarly, if you’re not interested in participating in certain holiday activities, make your feelings known in advance.
This will help prevent any hurt feelings or conflict later on. In the process to build healthy habits around the Holidays, you’ll want to set healthy boundaries.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to maintain your health, and it’s especially important during the holiday season when you might be tempted to indulge in more food and drink than usual. By exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, you can help offset any holiday weight gain and improve your overall mood. If you find it difficult to commit to a regular exercise routine, consider signing up for a gym membership or hiring a personal trainer. This way, you’ll be more likely to stick with your workout goals and see results.
If you’re traveling for the holidays, make sure to pack your workout clothes and take advantage of any hotel gyms or workout facilities.
You can also go for a run or walk outside to explore your surroundings and get some fresh air. Even if you don’t have those types of resources, a quick YouTube search can help you find some at-home workouts to do in your hotel room.
Get Enough Sleep
The average person needs between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. However, during the holiday season, it can be easy to let your sleep schedule slide in favor of staying up late to finish your shopping or wrapping presents. This can lead to you feeling exhausted and run down, which can make it difficult to stick to your healthy habits.
To avoid this, make sure that you’re getting enough sleep each night. This means going to bed at a reasonable hour and waking up at a reasonable hour. Consider setting an alarm or using a sleep tracker to help you stick to your sleep goals.
In order to build healthy habits around the Holidays, you’ll want to be fully recharged to tackle the day!
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy socializing during the holidays. Staying hydrated is key to avoiding sickness and feeling your best. Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and carry a water bottle with you to ensure that you’re getting enough fluids. You can also try flavoring your water with fruit or herbs to make it more enjoyable.
If you’re traveling, make sure to pack a reusable water bottle so that you can fill it up when you’re at the airport or in your hotel room. This will help you stay hydrated during your travels and avoid getting dehydrated.
Don’t Be Discouraged If You Don’t Stick To Your Routine
The holidays can be a hectic and chaotic time, which can make it difficult to stick to your usual routine. If you find yourself deviating from your healthy habits, don’t be discouraged. The important thing is that you get back on track as soon as possible. Don’t let one slip-up turn into a week of unhealthy eating or a month of no exercise.
Final Thoughts
By following these seven essential habits, you can maintain your health during the holiday season. This will help you avoid feeling stressed or overwhelmed. We always preach self care over here. By taking care of yourself, you show up as the best version of yourself. You’ll be able to enjoy the holidays more and make lasting memories with your loved ones.