Staying Healthy Over the Holidays Health Tip Tuesday Roundup
Do you struggle with staying healthy over the holidays? One of the best parts of the holiday season is the abundance of delicious food, festive drinks, late nights and endless laughter. But with so many events and gatherings, it can be tough to keep up with your usual wellness routine.
Maybe you’re eating foods you don’t normally indulge in, having a few extra drinks, staying up later than usual or skipping your workouts. For some people, that’s totally okay, as this is their time of year to fully let loose. But for me, drifting too far from my routine can create stress and a strong pull to get back on track. Don’t get me wrong, I will fully indulge in Christmas dinner and treats. But if there’s anything I can add or tweak throughout the season to make it even slightly healthier, I’m all for it.
If you feel the same way, this post will show you how to stay healthy during the holidays and still enjoy the season just like everyone else.
Staying Healthy Over the Holidays Myths
Firstly, let’s talk about what NOT to do. There are many common myths about staying healthy over the holidays that can actually end up making things worse.
Skipping meals to save room for a big dinner
When you go a long time without eating, your blood sugar drops, hunger hormones spike, and by the time you’re around holiday food, it becomes a lot harder to make healthier choices.
Wait until January to get back on track with diet & exercise
There is never going to be a perfect time to get ‘back on track’. Sticking with your routine throughout the season will make it much easier when January comes!
Avoid all treats
Not allowing yourself to enjoy treats now and again isn’t a good idea. This can create a toxic mindset.
One bad meal will ruin your progress
Just like one salad won’t make you ‘healthy’, one bad meal or treat won’t ruin your progress in your wellness routine.
Healthy choices ruin the fun
You can enjoy holiday fun and wellness at the same time. Making balanced decisions, like stopping when you’re full or choosing a mocktail over a cocktail, often makes the holidays feel even better.
So, what can you do to maintain your wellness routine throughout the holidays?
Nourish your body throughout the whole day
Focus on nourishing your body throughout the day with balanced meals: protein, healthy fats, fibre and tons of colour! Think eggs with veggies and avocado sourdough for breakfast, and maybe a hearty soup with a salad for lunch. When your body feels properly fueled, you can enjoy your favourite holiday treats without the guilt or the energy crash that typically follows. Remember, the goal isn’t restriction, it’s balance!
Move in ways that bring you joy
I get it, the holidays are super busy for everyone, so it’s very easy to let movement slip to the bottom of your priorities. But, exercise doesn’t have to be something you should do, it can be something you GET to do and WANT to do! Choose movement that brings you joy, whether that’s dancing in your kitchen, going for a snowy walk with a loved one, stretching gently in the morning or trying out a new workout class you’ve been curious about. Movement throughout the holidays is such a good idea as it supports digestion, blood sugar and mood. Move as a celebration of everything your body does for you, not as a punishment for what you eat.
Stay hydrated
With festive cocktails, cozy lattes and endless social gatherings, it’s surprisingly easy to let hydration slip during the holidays. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support your energy, digestion and immune system this time of year. Water flushes out toxins, keeps your skin glowing, and can actually help manage cravings! This habit is perfect for the season: for every alcoholic or caffeinated drink, have one glass of water. If you don’t like water, try adding citrus or mint, or you could even sip on herbal tea instead.
Slow down and stay grounded
While the holidays are so joyful, they can also bring lots of stress for some; busy schedules, grocery lists, family get-togethers and the pressure to enjoy it all, it can be easy to forget about your own well-being. Over the next couple of weeks, take some time to give your nervous system a break; even five minutes can make a world of difference.
Here are some ways to slow down and stay grounded:
- Go on a walk
- Five deep breaths
- Stretching or gentle yoga poses to release tension
- Gratitude journal
- Set boundaries
Your peace is precious!
Throughout this holiday season, permit yourself to enjoy it all. Wellness isn’t about being healthy and perfect 100% of the time; it’s about caring for yourself, staying mindful of what you’re giving your body, and honouring what it needs.
Looking to share these healthy holiday tips with your workplace? I’ve got a Lunch & Learn for that!
Join me for an engaging and informative Corporate Wellness Lunch & Learn session on Staying Healthy Over the Holidays! During this interactive Lunch & Learn, I share easy, practical ways that you can stay healthy and balanced in the midst of all the holiday cheer. We will explore tips for mindful eating, managing indulgences and keeping up with those wellness routines without feeling deprived of the holiday fun! This session is an awesome way to keep your team feeling their best throughout the holidays, while still bringing a party to the workplace. This session is non-denominational and designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower your team with knowledge and tools for optimizing their health and productivity both at work and at home!
To book your next Lunch & Learn, send me a note at info@jesselanewellness.com or check out my Corporate Wellness Page.