This post first ran on my old blog onbalance in 2009. But you know what? When advice is solid, it lasts. I’ve updated the post a bit with some new holiday wellness tips to help you stay healthy and balanced through the busy holiday season.
It’s that time of year– we’re in the thick of holiday events, parties, and rushing around. Like anyone else, I look forward to these festivities of the season (and the bounty of yummy treats that go with them). Who doesn’t crave connection and merriment?!
But is it really possible to celebrate the season without completely abandoning your healthy lifestyle? Let’s take a look at some holiday wellness tips that can keep you from sabotaging your hard work.
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8 Holiday Wellness Tips
How to celebrate the season without abandoning your health and fitness goals!
1. Have a holiday workout plan
Making sure that you stay consistent with your workouts is a cornerstone of any wellness lifestyle. This is good advice any time of year, but it’s crucial when your calendar is more packed than normal.
Study your calendar for all of those school performances, parent nights, and all of the other special events that have inserted themselves into your regular routine. Then block out the time for your workouts, so that you know you’ll have positive energy going for you. Learning how to fit exercise into a busy schedule is a great habit to build for year-round wellness.
Start by scheduling your workouts for the week on the weekend prior. That way you give yourself some advanced notice if you need to pack your gym bag or remember to bring your exercise shoes with you to work for that evening workout. Grab your gear and get to it– you are your most important appointment!
If you’re an outdoor exerciser, take a look at the weather forecast so you can plan accordingly. It’s never fun to wake up early for a workout only to find the weather isn’t cooperative! These ideas for cold weather workout clothes will keep you warm no matter how far the mercury falls.
2. Have an idea of what your favorite treats will ‘cost’ you
Can’t keep your hands off sampling every single one of the delicious goodies on the dessert table? Using a calorie calculator, you’ll give yourself a good idea of how many calories you’ll eat by noshing on all those party treats. That’s one way to help create a sense of moderation.
Go one step further and figure out what kind of exercise you’ll need to do to burn those calories by using an activity calculator. If you do the math ahead of time, it’s easier to resist the lure of All The Treats and focus on only that which you find calorically worth it!
Hey, I never said these holiday wellness tips would be easy or fun. But when you eat with intention rather than reckless abandonment, it allows you really savor each bite.
3. Eat before you party
The best way to make sure you don’t overdo it is to fill up on healthy food before you head to the party. Fruits, vegetables, and other foods with high fiber are a great pre-party option. They fill you up in a way that keeps your blood sugar stable so that you’re feeling your best for the fun.
Drinking water on the way to the party will also help fill your stomach so you are less tempted to overeat. At zero calories but high volume, water is always a great pre-party wellness choice.
Using these strategies will help you not only eat less, but you’ll have more time to focus on chatting with friends. Isn’t that the real focus of the party anyway?!
4. Set a One Drink limit
I must admit that, as a nondrinker, this one is easy for me. But I fully recognize it isn’t so easy for others.
But once you know how many calories are in your favorite lovely beverage, suddenly sparkling water with a twist of citrus may seem quite appealing. You could even ask for a or festive pomegranate spritzer or cranberry juice as a non-alcoholic option.
Whatever you choose, definitely skip the sugar rim! While it looks pretty, that added sugar is nothing but empty calories. (And often makes drinks way too sweet anyway!)
Also, by setting a one drink limit you’re creating a greater likelihood of sticking with your fitness plan and not getting sidetracked thanks to a hangover or dehydration.
5. Focus on the Positives
By turning the focus of the party to your friends and socializing (and away from food and drink), you can share your wellness triumphs with those who care about you. Your friends want to know about your positive life changes, so feel the pride and confidently tell them about the healthy, happy new you.
That kind of feeling can’t be recreated, not even from the best magnum of champagne and sweetest treat in the world.
6. Opt for Active Outings
Adults aren’t the only ones faced with lots of tempting goodies during the holiday season. It’s the season of sugar for kids, too!
Ensure that your kids are getting plenty of exercise by creating active traditions for your family. Take a walk to look at a light display, enjoying being together to take in the sights of the season. A stroll and carol singing at an outdoor mall can spread cheer to others.
Feeling bold? Gather up the neighbors and stage your own neighborhood Jingle Bell Run. Who knows?! You could be starting a new holiday tradition!
You can even give gifts for active families to set them up for continued health in the new year.
You can create community and celebrate the season without all the sugar!
7. Find Quiet Time
Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of this busy season is an important holiday wellness tip. Making sure that there is space for quiet in all of the chaos of celebration is good for your mental health.
Keeping your wellness at the center of your choices can help remind you what is necessary and what is needlessly extra. Are there any events that you can (gasp!) skip?
A night spent at home by yourself with a good book, sitting by the fire with a cozy flannel & sherpa weighted blanket can seem like a wonderful antidote after a string of nights out.
8. Embrace the Darkness
While many people long for the endless sunshine of summertime, not fighting Mother Nature has its advantages. One of my favorite holiday wellness tips is to encourage people to embrace the darkness of the season.
The reality is that sleep is restorative. Taking a little extra time for a bedtime routine can help you get the most out of your night of slumber. You might even find yourself far less tired when you don’t fight the early darkness.
Watch the following video for even more reasons why embracing the darkness is good for your overall wellness:
Karen Shopoff Rooff is a certified health coach. The Well Balanced Women blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please discuss your health issues with a licensed medical practitioner.
