It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is filled with the bounties of life… friends, family, parties, gifts and oh, the food! With so much celebration, there is also much preparation. The holidays can also be quite hectic so with that in mind, here are some tips to help you survive the holidays with joy and wellness.
We’ve all heard people talk about holiday weight gain. The gyms are empty (until January 2nd at least) and the tables are full. But relax… you really won’t gain a lot of weight during the holidays. The average person only gains about a pound during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Still, it is good to be aware of what you are indulging in and stick to some basic guidelines. First, don’t skip meals. If you are starving at the office party because you didn’t eat lunch to leave calories for some eggnog, chances are likely that you will over-consume and it won’t be health food. Don’t feel pressured to eat something just because grandma made it. She will love you anyway. Weigh yourself periodically to keep an eye on changes… If your New Year’s resolution involves weight loss or fitness, you won’t be starting from square one.
With lots of running around to do, time management also ranks pretty high on the list of holiday tips. Taking some time to slow down and enjoy your time with family and friends is important. To that end, prioritize your tasks. Get enough sleep. Using the internet to cybershop saves time, gas, frustration and many times money. Take advantage of online specials and swear off Black Friday madness!
For those living with neurological or other medical conditions, putting in some extra thought or reimagining family traditions can make the holidays both less stressful and more enjoyable. Get creative! Be sure to take care of your loved ones when decorating – a little extra attention to safety precautions is always a good thing – to avoid accidents. If you live where it is cold, bundle up and be mindful of ice and road conditions. Start a new, healthy holiday tradition such as group bike rides or a walk around the neighborhood to enjoy the decorations. However you celebrate during this time of year, just remember that the spirit of the season is all around us and take some time to truly enjoy it.