Maintain Healthy Habits
If you’ve been hitting the gym multiple times a week, squeezing in extra servings of fruits and vegetables each day, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, keep it up! Don’t let the holiday season be a reason to stop pursuing your goals. While the holidays might not be the best time of year to set new goals, stay the course working towards the goals you have in place.
With a little commitment and support from the Y community, you can maintain the healthy habits you’ve been working towards all year long.
Manage Stress
The holiday season is a box full of cheer tied up with a ribbon of stress. From searching for the perfect gift, to feeling the strain on your wallet, to hosting family and friends, the holidays can feel overwhelming.
Prioritize self-care to manage stress by staying active, connecting socially, and getting plenty of sleep. Take a yoga or Pilate’s class at your local Y, grab coffee with a friend, or treat yourself to an extra hour of sleep. Lean on family, friends, and neighbors to keep your spirits high and your stress low.
Travel Safely
Whether you’re traveling across town or around the world, plan to travel safely. Always wear a seat belt, and make sure to buckle your child and use any necessary safety seats. Never drive under the influence. Be responsible for your safety and the safety of others by limiting your intake, or assigning a designated driver.
Know Your Spending Limits
Set a budget for gift giving and stick to it. Financial stress can feel extra pressing during the holiday season, but planning and creativity will get you through the holidays on a budget.
Consider giving handmade gifts, or the gift of time. Cooking someone a meal, giving new parents a night out while you babysit, or offering to clean someone’s house are gifts that recipients will love and will cost you nothing. It’s easy to be swept up in the consumerism of the season, but remember that it isn’t about money or gifts. Focus on enjoying quality time with loved ones to avoid stressing over less important things.
Indulge Smart
Opportunities to overindulge are everywhere from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, but use these strategies to keep your appetite in check.
Don’t skip meals with the goal of “saving calories” for a big feast. This strategy often backfires, leaving you feeling full, sluggish, and off-track. Instead, have a healthy, protein packed snack like string cheese, almonds, or yogurt to prevent over-eating later. Allow yourself to indulge in your favorite holiday treats, as long as you pick and choose tour splurges, and truly savor each bite.