While the holidays are a time to take breaks from school, work, and the daily grind, they often become a period when healthy habits fall by the wayside. My advice—and perhaps the greatest gift I can give you this season—is simple: “Please don’t take a holiday from your health during the holidays.”
In fact, the holidays provide the perfect opportunity to ramp up and enhance your healthy lifestyle efforts. Why? Because health is the greatest gift you can give yourself and those you love.
The Pitfalls of Holiday Indulgence
The holidays often become an excuse to over-eat, over-spend, and over-indulge, sidelining our physical and mental health. However, they can and should be a time to start healthy traditions and establish or maintain routines. This way, when the celebrations wind down, you can celebrate even more as you step into the New Year.
Establishing Healthy Traditions
Holiday traditions are often passed down through generations. Why not create healthier ones that contribute to the well-being and happiness of those around you? Regardless of how you typically celebrate, holidays often involve:
- Shopping and gift-giving
- Large gatherings
- Big family meals
By committing to healthier practices in these areas, you can create traditions that help you and your loved ones start the New Year on a positive note.
How to Shop in a Healthy Way
- Stick to Your Budget: If you don’t have a holiday budget, create one. Budgets control expenses and promote mindful spending.
- Plan Ahead: Set limits on gift spending with family and friends.
- Avoid Debt: Only buy presents you can afford.
Giving Healthily
- Meaningful Gifts: On a budget? Give a present that genuinely means something to the recipient.
- Service as a Gift: Offer to provide a service after the holidays, allowing you to reconnect and fill a need.
- Homemade Gifts: Show you care with a personal touch.
Gathering in a Healthy Way
- Manage Your Schedule: Commit only to what your schedule reasonably allows to
avoid stress. - Set Boundaries: Clearly articulate expectations for family gatherings,
including designated times for visits, gift-giving, and meals. - Enjoy Reality: Avoid the “fairytale” holiday trap. Find peace and gratitude
in your reality.
Eating Healthily If You Are the Host:
- Healthy Options: Provide options like fresh fruit, raw vegetables, leafy
greens, and healthy drinks. - Encourage Leftovers: Have take-home containers available to avoid pressure to
consume everything on the plate. - Healthier Recipes: Find healthier versions of traditional recipes and test them
ahead of time.
If You Are the Guest:
- Mindful Eating: Create a healthy plate by being mindful of portion sizes and
selecting lower-calorie, lower-fat foods. - Savor the Moment: Chew slowly, enjoying the taste and texture of food and
conversations. - Bring Healthy Dishes: Check with the host and bring a few healthy dishes to
share.
Maintaining Healthy Routines
Routines and schedules are vital for following through on healthy lifestyle decisions. Ironically, during the holidays, when we have more flexibility and time, we often neglect healthy actions like exercise and self-care. Creating or maintaining healthy routines helps you stay committed to your health.
How to Create or Maintain Healthy Routines
- Mindset Matters: Commit to prayer and/or meditation each day.
- Schedule Health: Plan healthy eating and exercise amidst the holiday hustle.
- Downtime: Schedule breaks to do “absolutely nothing” for mental and
physical rejuvenation. - Consistent Sleep: Maintain a regular wake-up and sleep schedule.
By fostering healthy traditions and routines, you can fully enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing your health. So, this holiday season, give yourself the gift of health and start the New Year on the right foot!
Make this holiday season your healthiest yet!