10 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
Blogmas day 8
‘Tis the season for parties and getting together with loved ones and… sickness. No one wants to be sick for the holidays, yet it’s easy to forget healthy habits and choices in the midst of the most wonderful time of the year. I am not an advocate for diet culture or limiting yourself in any way. It’s all about balance and enjoying life to the fullest while also taking care of yourself.
Although it can be more difficult to prioritize our health during this time of year, it is still possible. Here are 10 ways to stay healthy during the holidays.
{ONE} Drink lots of water. It’s important to stay hydrated all year ‘round, but especially during this time of year. I always have trouble drinking enough water when it’s cold outside, but our bodies need water to function properly. Plus, drinking water can help us feel full longer instead of mindlessly snacking when we’re not actually hungry.
{TWO} Get a flu shot. It’s flu season, and an easy way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot.
{THREE} Wash your hands frequently. This should hopefully go without saying but wash your hands!
{FOUR} Sleep in when you can. Getting enough rest isn’t always easy to do, so instead of saying “go to bed early” (because I admit I’m terrible at doing this), I’m going to say sleep in when you can. Even if it’s 30 minutes more than normal, make sure you’re giving your body enough time to rest, recover, and stay refreshed.
{FIVE} Don’t forget to take your vitamins. I’m not just talking about the pills you take in the morning. I’m talking about getting your vitamins and nutrients in through food and drinks, too. I’ve been starting each day with my vitamins and a glass of orange juice to really stock up on Vitamin C. I also love taking a ginger or turmeric shot in the morning for an extra boost.
{SIX} Ditch food rules. Like I mentioned in the intro, I’m not an advocate for diet culture at all. Ditch the complex food rules and instead focus on mindful eating. Eat when you’re hungry and don’t judge yourself or feel guilty if you have a few more cookies than normal this holiday season. It’s all in moderation.
{SEVEN} Add veggies when you can. It’s not always fun to eat your vegetables, but it definitely is important. Look for creative ways to add veggies into your meals like snacking on veggies and dip at a party or ordering vegetable soup for dinner at a restaurant.
{EIGHT} Recharge in ways that work for you. Health is not just about what you put in your body; it’s also about how you feel mentally. This season can be nonstop and if you’re not careful, you can run yourself down and get burnt out quickly. Instead, find ways to recharge that work for you. Relax with a good book instead of scrolling on your phone or take a long hot shower and enjoy the steam. Whatever it is, take the time to recharge mentally, too.
{NINE} Pick and choose which events and activities bring you joy. Similarly, it can be easy to say “yes” to every activity and opportunity that comes your way this season. It may be controversial, but I’m a huge believer in protecting your energy. Your emotional, mental, and physical health (as well as your schedule!) will benefit when you only commit to the things that you’re genuinely excited about.
{TEN} Move your body. It’s cold and gets dark so early these days. If you’re anything like me, these two facts make you not want to do anything in the evenings, let alone go to the gym and work out! But moving your body doesn’t have to be solely going to the gym. It can mean watching TV as you do squats, march in place, or do light arm workouts. It can mean walking your dog for 20 minutes before the sun sets, or stretching for 15 minutes during your lunch break. Whatever it is, just move. It doesn’t have to be an intense, 60-minute workout for it to count!