5 Healthy Habits to Help You Survive the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is over and now the holiday season begins in earnest.  You’ll likely spend much of December rushing around, buying holiday gifts, making cookies and treats, going to parties, and attending your children’s performances.  Don’t forget your regular business work you must complete and your normal household chores and responsibilities.  December can be exhausting and, if you’re not careful, can make you run down and sick.  This Christmas season, make an effort to follow healthy habits to help you survive the holiday season.

Exercise

The most important thing you can do this season is take care of yourself, and one of the best ways to do that is to exercise.  You may feel that you’re so busy, you have no time to exercise.  Yet, the funny thing about exercise is that if you make the time to do it, you have more energy to do all of the many tasks you have to complete.  Exercise helps make you clear-headed and focused, meaning you may be able to get your tasks done more quickly.

Get Enough Sleep

Like exercise, getting enough sleep consistently is essential.  Stick to the same bedtime and wake time and try to get at least 7 hours a night of sleep.  If you shortchange your sleep, you will have a few more hours in the day, but you will also be groggy and less likely to be productive.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Many people look at the time between Halloween and New Year’s Day and see it as a time to give in to temptation and ignore their healthy eating plan.  Eating whatever you want may cause you to feel fatigued.  Let’s be honest—there are 61 days between Halloween and New Year’s Day, and you may have parties or special events perhaps 10 to 15 of those days.  Does that mean you shouldn’t eat a healthy diet the other 46 to 51 days?  No!  Give your body healthy fuel to make it through such a busy holiday season.

Enjoy Treats in Moderation

I’m not saying don’t enjoy the special holiday treats, though.  People who can successfully enjoy a healthy diet during the holidays usually eat treats in moderation.  Some people decide on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, they’ll enjoy, but the rest of the days, they’ll try to eat normally.  You choose what works best, but remember, moderation is best for your mood and productivity.

Schedule in Time to Relax with Family and Friends

The holidays are often about family and friends, so make sure to set aside time with the people you enjoy.  Look at the holiday lights with your kids, go out to eat with another couple, take a date night with your spouse.  The holiday season is busy, but take time tobe with the people you love, even if you have to schedule the time in your planner.

The holidays can be a busy, chaotic, stressful time, but if you take the time to care for yourself, you’ll likely enjoy the season more and have less stress.