‘Tis the season for parties… lots of parties! Especially after last year, I feel like a lot of us have a filled calendar this holiday season, so I wanted to share some tips and tricks for staying in a healthy routine this time of year. Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge a little bit and partake in all the festivities, but nobody likes a holiday hangover – am I right? Been there done that – so without further ado – here are some healthy tips for staying on track during the holidays.
Spoil your appetite
Never go to a party hungry because chances are, there won’t be a ton of healthy food options once you get there. I always carry a bar in my purse for when I’m on the go. You could also have a protein shake or a healthy snack before you head out the door, that way you won’t fill up on junk.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
I know I sound like a broken record here, but this time of year it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re drinking enough water. The holidays can be hectic, and dehydration can lead to a slew of problems, so do yourself a favor and stock up on the H2O – especially if you’re drinking.
Move your body
Even if it’s a quick walk around the block (you know I love to get my steps in!) make sure you’re moving your body each day. Whether it’s a 20 minute yoga session or some stretching, you’ll feel so much better afterwards. Plus, it will keep you in your routine and it’s so much harder to get back into it if you stop altogether.
Don‘t be too restrictive
Now this might seem counterintuitive here, but just trust me. If you restrict yourself too much then you’ll be more likely to binge or have a negative relationship with food. It’s not healthy to think of food as either good or bad, so listen to your body and do what feels best. Besides, a cookie never killed anybody!
Don’t neglect your mental health
We often make poor health decisions when we’re stressed or aren’t in the right frame of mind. That’s why I keep up with my meditation practice even if I’m traveling or have a busy schedule. When your mental health is in a good place, everything else seems to fall into place. The holidays can be especially hard for some – so, even if it’s saying ‘no’ to an obligation or taking some time for yourself – do whatever it takes to put your mental health first!
I’d love to know what you do to stay sane during the holidays – what are some of your go-to tips and tricks?
