6 Tips for a Healthy, Happy Christmas

Christmas time is typically known for traditions, time with family, Christmas parties, and cookies. But if you don’t take care of yourself, it’s easy to get so caught up in the business that you become overwhelmed with stress or even end up sick. Below are a few tips to help you stay healthy and enjoy the Christmas season.

Stay Active

Most routines break down around Christmas time. Having time off work and school can make it feel easy to take time off your workout routine as well.  However, it’s just as important (if not more important) to get your daily dose of exercise, even around the holidays. Getting outside and moving for a bit is great for your body and mind; it’s an easy fix for the unwanted weight gain from all the sugary foods and the stress of the season.

Give yourself a break

Christmas time is notoriously busy and stressful. A lot of planning and preparing goes into making the month of December festive and exciting.  Many people find themselves too stressed out to really enjoy the fun of the season. Here are some things you can do to make the time more enjoyable and restful:

• Budget ahead of time. Christmas is often hard on the wallet and can be an unnecessary stressor. If you start setting aside an amount that you’re comfortable spending on Christmas expenses earlier in the year, you’ll feel prepared and stress-free by the time Christmas comes around.
• Practice some self-care. It’s hard to be present at family or friends’ Christmas parties when you’re exhausted and stressed. Make sure you take time for yourself to relax and recharge if you need to.
• Enjoy the present moment. It’s easy to get caught up in planning, shopping, and running from place to place, but try to remember to slow down now and then to savor the time with your friends and family this Christmas.

Stick to healthy foods

Around this time of year, it feels like Christmas cookies and casseroles are the only things to eat. However, it’s not as hard as you might think to eat healthy around Christmas time. Keep an eye out for non-fried foods at Christmas parties and limit the sweets you eat – it’s easy to lose track. You can also keep your breakfast and lunch light if you know you will be having a big dinner.

Get some extra rest

Many people end up sacrificing sleep time in order to keep up with Christmas business. If anything, though, you should be getting more sleep around Christmas time. If you combine unhealthy eating with stress and minimal sleep, you’re likely to get sick, which is the last thing anyone wants during Christmas. Try to get your normal hours of sleep, and if possible, give yourself a few days to sleep in.

Set some boundaries

As your calendar fills up with Christmas parties and other obligations, you may start to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to know that you don’t have to say yes to every party invite. Again, it’s important to have enough energy to actually enjoy the season, and you can’t do that if you run yourself into the ground with too many activities.

Set some new goals

Some people really enjoy making New Year’s resolutions, and some know that they’ll never be able to follow through on them. Whichever camp you fit in, consider making some practical goals that will help you live into a happy healthy new year even after the holidays are over. The goals you set don’t have to be difficult to attain. For example, you could finally make that appointment with your doctor for a check-up you’ve been meaning to make.  Or you can make taking a daily walk a habit. No matter what it is, make your health a priority during this Christmas season and into the new year.