Do You Want to Maintain Your Health During the Holidays? This Is How—Without Losing the Thrill

But what if you could feel good about your body and enjoy the season at the same time?

To keep healthy over the holidays, you do not need to follow a strict diet, have a busy workout program, or feel guilty. All you need is a little intentionality and a reminder that, even in December, your well-being is important.

Here's how to enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your health.

1. Avoid "saving up" for a large meal.

You are going large for supper, so why skip breakfast? Usually, that tactic backfires. By 3pm, you are hungry and more prone to overeat or crash.

Instead: Eat often throughout the day, including well-balanced meals that include fiber, protein, and good fats. Your Christmas feast will be more enjoyable and you will feel better.

2. Make Small Movements with Your Body

You do not have to follow your usual exercise schedule. However, any movement helps control your energy, digestion, and mood.

Try:

A vigorous stroll following dinner

Dancing while cooking in the kitchen

Before going to bed, stretch

Sledding or a snowball fight with the children

Consider movement to be a celebration rather than a form of discipline.

3. Drink Adequate Water

Alcohol, travel, salty foods, and added sugar can all contribute to dehydration during the holidays.

Aim for:

An enormous glass of water in the morning

(Especially if you are drinking alcohol.) Water in between meals

Using herbal tea to relax at night

Do you feel bloated, irritable, or exhausted? Perhaps you just need water.

4. Make sleep a priority, even if your schedule is hectic.

Vacation sleep is frequently a chaos. Parties, travel, and wrapping presents late at night do not help. However, getting too little sleep impairs immunity and increases appetites.

Keep your sleep safe:

Establish a bedtime for three or more nights each week.

Keep your space dark and chilly.

Avoid using screens right before bed.

Incorporate a nap if necessary.

You do not need to be flawless. Do not let sleep entirely go from your mind, though.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health as Well

For many people, this season is both joyful and triggering. Family dynamics, financial strain, stress, and grief can all flare up.

Take the action that keeps you grounded:

Spend five minutes each morning in your journal.

When necessary, take a walk by yourself.

Establish limits with your family or your time.

See a friend or therapist if you are feeling down.

You are as good as your mind.

6. Savor the Delights—But Do not Eat Automatically

Deprivation is ineffective and unpleasant. Consume the cookies. Get the mashed potatoes. But be present while you do it.

Try this:

Grab a plate, take a seat, and enjoy it.

Avoid mindless snacking just because it is available.

Permit yourself to end when you are satisfied—or not!

Your body is intelligent. When you listen to it, trust it to lead you.

7. This Season, Rethink What "Healthy" Means

There is more to health than kale and kettlebells. Additionally, it's:

Having fun with those you care about

Refusing when you are overburdened

Being outside

Allowing yourself to be happy

Giving up on "perfect" and accepting "enough"

Conclusion: You Are Deserving of Feeling Good Right Now

You do not have to miss out on anything to stay healthy throughout the holidays. It entails maintaining your sense of self while life becomes joyous and busy. It entails making positive, rather than punitive, habit choices.

Yes, please take the pie. When possible, sleep in. Take a stroll. Sip on some water. Breathe deeply.

January goals are not about health. Even during the holidays, you have the opportunity to cultivate it today.