It is no surprise that along with the joy, celebration, and connection of the holiday season there are also substantial challenges to our health. From a few extra Christmas cookies, to often overloaded schedules, attempting to find balance during the holidays is no small feat. Here at Los Gatos Doc, we are available to ensure you are enjoying your holiday season while taking time to keep your mind and body in check. If you are looking for a few extra tips to maintain your health and wellness during the festive season, keep reading.
1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
While holiday meals are often rich and indulgent, there are ways to enjoy your favorites without overconsuming on calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Holiday meals are often rich and indulgent, making it easy to overconsume calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Here’s how to enjoy your favorites without overdoing it:
- Portion Control: Use smaller plates and take reasonable portions of each dish. Savor every bite!
- Fill Up on Veggies: Prioritize vegetables and whole grains to add fiber and keep you feeling full.
- Limit Sugary Drinks: Opt for water or sparkling water instead of sugary sodas or cocktails. Moderation is key.
For evidence-based tips on holiday nutrition, check out this guide from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
2. Stay Active
Staying active can help with a counterbalance of the extra calories you have while managing holiday stress. Even when you are looking at a packed schedule, finding moments for some movement will help you keep things in balance during the holiday hustle and bustle.
- Make It Fun: Join a family walk after meals or plan an active outing like ice skating.
- Set Realistic Goals: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days, even if it’s broken into smaller sessions.
- Incorporate Strength Training: Bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups can be done anywhere.
For more on staying active, explore the CDC’s physical activity guidelines.
3. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Along with busy schedules and full plates comes a variety of emotionally taxing events. From financial pressures to varying family dynamics, as well as those end-of-year responsibilities that can pile up, safeguarding your mental health should be top of your list.
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises, like meditation or deep breathing, to reduce stress. Learn mindfulness techniques here.
- Set Boundaries: Politely decline invitations or commitments that feel overwhelming.
- Stay Connected: Spend time with loved ones who uplift and support you.
If you’re feeling persistently stressed or down, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.
4. Get Enough Sleep
A couple of extra social engagements leading to late night parties, matched with year-end early morning presentations, or general excitement from the holiday season can work wonders to disrupt your sleep. A lack of sleep can affect your immune system alongside your mood, so taking adequate time to prioritize rest is very important.
- Stick to a Routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
For insights on the importance of sleep, visit the Sleep Foundation’s resources.
5. Indulge in Moderation
The holidays are filled with many of our favorite things, and it is important to be able to partake in this time of joyous celebration. It is important to not deprive yourself, but rather find a healthy balance to savor the splurges, while ensuring you don’t go overboard.
- Enjoy Mindfully: Focus on the flavors and textures of what you’re eating to fully enjoy it.
- Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll indulge at dinner, opt for lighter meals earlier in the day.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t stress over occasional indulgences. It’s the season to celebrate!
6. Schedule a Check-Up
Getting a check-up on the books for the end of the year or the start of 2025 is a great way to prioritize your physical and mental well-being before the year comes to a close. Making sure you can stay on track and prepare for a healthier new year is important in both setting short and long-term goals and can keep you honest about where you are and where you’d like to go.
By taking a few mindful steps, you can enjoy all the wonderful moments the holidays have to offer while keeping your health in check. At Los Gatos Doc, we’re here to support your wellness journey every step of the way. Wishing you a joyful, healthy holiday season!