Be sure to keep up healthy habits. Promise yourself that you will focus on being physically active, getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night, and eating moderate amounts of healthy foods - at least 80-90% of the time.
Don't let one bad day of eating derail your otherwise healthy habits. If you went overboard at a party and ate way too much, put that behind you and start over again the next day with more moderate amounts of healthier food.
Remember to eat lots of vegetables and fruit.
Minimize processed foods. You may not be able to make everything yourself, but try to make as much as possible "from scratch". Avoid excessive salt and added sugars.
Eat what you love. Try to be picky about what you eat. Don't eat something just because it's there; focus on the foods you really love and skip the foods you're not that fond of.
It's OK to say no. Remember, you don't have to eat everything that's offered to you. It's also OK to say no to invitations when you're already overbooked and in danger of becoming exhausted.
Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you're feeling stressed out, overwhelmed or exhausted. Getting enough exercise helps reduce stress, as does getting enough sleep. Take some time for yourself, even if it's difficult, and do something that relaxes you. Something as simple as a walk-in nature can be very helpful, either just for you or for your entire family. Daily meditation and journaling are good ways to minimize stress.
Try to stick to your usual sleep schedule. This may be difficult, but sticking to your sleep schedule will improve your quality of sleep, both during and after the holidays. Irregular sleep schedules can lead to poor sleep quality, fatigue, poor eating habits, and daytime drowsiness. Avoid this by going to bed and waking up as close as possible to your usual times.
Stick to a budget. Remember, it's the thought that counts. Don't let the holidays become a source of financial stress.
Be sure to stay healthy. Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs. Prepare food safely. In addition to your hands, wash surfaces where you usually prepare food, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures, and refrigerate foods promptly. Stay warm and dry outdoors. And at the risk of repeating myself, eat healthy, stay active, and get enough sleep!
If you drink alcohol, be sure to stay hydrated. Alternate your alcoholic drinks with a glass of water; for something more festive, try sparkling water. Be sure to consume only moderate amounts of alcohol - you will thank yourself the next day! And of course, don't drink and drive - make sure you have a designated driver to get you home.
Plan activities that don't involve food. For example, invite friends over to make decorations or holiday cards. Take advantage of winter weather to enjoy skating, snowshoeing, sledding and other winter activities.
Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside differences until there is a more appropriate time for discussion. Be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes wrong - they may be feeling the effects of holiday stress or depression too.
If you find yourself experiencing stress or depression, perhaps due to recent events in your life, then you need to acknowledge your feelings. If, for example, someone close to you has recently died or is very ill, or you can't be with family or friends you're close to, then it's normal to feel sadness and grief. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season. It is helpful to reach out, either to friends or family or to health professionals for support.
Finally, focus on the spirit of the holiday, and remember the true meaning of the season. Whatever activities you undertake, we wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season!
