Eight Ways to Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

Thanksgiving is in one week, Hanukkah is in 4 and a half weeks, and Christmas is in 5 short weeks. The holiday season is upon us, and while it can be a happy, joyous time, it can also be a stressful time of year. Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, break down our immune systems, making us more susceptible to illness. Follow these eight simple tips to stay on track and have a happy AND healthy holiday season.

• Stick to your morning routine. The days leading up to the holidays are hectic. In addition to our already busy lives, there is shopping, baking, wrapping, holiday parties, and get-togethers, school events, work functions, and more. Before we know it, it is bedtime, and we don’t know where the day went. Our morning routines play an important part in our day. It sets the tone of the day ahead, allows us to control our schedules and prioritize our time. By keeping our morning routines, we start our day with a positive mindset, and the day seems less daunting.
• DO NOT skip breakfast. Our cars can’t run on empty, and neither can our bodies. Start the day with a hearty, healthy breakfast to stay full longer. I find if I fuel my body correctly, I am more apt to skip the holiday goodies I see throughout the office. Or if I am out shopping, I will not fill up on fast food.
• Do some form of exercise a day. For me, this is usually the first one that falls off my radar during the holiday season. I claim to have no time. Well, guess what, everyone has time for a 10 min walk, 10 mins of strength training, yoga, whatever it is you may like to do. Not only is it good for you, but it gives you more energy to plow through the day. I have committed to 30 mins a day of some form of exercise. Some days are easier than others, but damn does it feel good when I am done.
• Choose your treats well. The average American gains weight between Halloween and New Years. This is not a free for all people! I am not telling you to give up your treats, but choose wisely. Pick the ones that you only have during the holidays. I can have chocolate chip cookies any time of year; however, I have a particular cookie I only make at Christmas time. This will be my treat of choice.
• Pace Yourself. I love a good holiday cocktail or two, but I hate feeling so crappy the next day. To avoid being hungover, make sure to pace yourself throughout the evening. Have a club soda in between drinks. Do not drink on an empty stomach. You will be thankful you did.
• Boost your immune system. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep, and oh, did I mention exercise? It will help keep you going through the craziness of the season.
• Hydrate. Our bodies crave water. It keeps everything flowing throughout the body. It will keep you full in between meals and, as noted above, help avoid that hangover.
• Take time to recharge. Don’t forget to take care of you. Whether it be a mani/pedi or 30 minutes locked away in a room with a good book, take the time. Not only do we need to be physically healthy but healthy mentally as well.