The leaves start to fall, the air turns cooler, and holiday music is all you hear when you’re out shopping… you know what time it is! The holiday season is here yet again. With as much joy as this time of year brings, we know it can be hard to keep wellness at the forefront of your mind when there’s so much else going on. Taking care of yourself will only bring more cheer, so we’re sharing a few tips and tricks to get you through this holiday season healthy and happy!
Have you ever noticed that it’s harder to be upset when you’re focused on all the good in your life? Let’s be real – the holidays can be a difficult time for many of us. What would it look like to shift your attention to all the good in your life instead of dwelling on family stress, loneliness, or what you wish you had? To find more joy during the holiday season and stay balanced, keep it simple. Notice all the good in your life. Take a moment to reflect on all your needs that are met, and all the little pleasures you get to experience, even in the midst of challenging times. Making this mental shift is one small way to notice a big difference this holiday season!
Eating well does not have to be a chore! The key is planning… and finding ways to spice it up and make it fun. Try picking a new recipe and cooking with your family, or invite friends over for a small dinner party where you all pitch in to make the meal. Sometimes tasting a new combination of flavors is just the kick we need to consider eating healthier foods that fuel our bodies.
With the hectic nature of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget to listen to what our bodies are telling us. It’s okay to take a moment to pause and assess what it is we actually need. Sometimes it might be a quiet moment of rest. Other times, it might be a jog around the block, a big glass of water, or even a piece of pie. Our gut health is especially important, and your gut will tell you when something is wrong! Massaging your stomach after a meal can be very helpful for digestion. “Digestive fire” is how our bodies break down food, extract nutrients, build blood, and support the immune system. Pay attention to what your body is telling you!
The holidays are often filled with events, running around for end of the year shopping, and time spent with friends and family. But how often do we focus on moving past the small talk and really focus on connecting with those around us on a deeper level? It might take a little more effort to dive beneath the surface in conversation, but you’ll leave feeling more connected to the people you’re spending time with. Plus, what better time to reflect and connect than at the end of the year? This meaningful communication can work wonders for our mental and social health!
When the days feel shorter, the temperature drops, and the sun sets earlier, it can be really challenging to prioritize movement – we get it! We just have to get a little creative sometimes. Try turning your home into a dance party by blasting that holiday music that’s probably stuck in your head already! Take a quick walk in the crisp, winter air if you can. Do a home workout video with your family or roommates. Take the stairs instead of an elevator/escalator. Make small choices that allow more movement throughout your day.
By using these five tips for your overall wellness this holiday season, you are doing more than you think – you’re starting to build habits that will carry over into the New Year and beyond! So when you are dancing in your kitchen, cooking a healthy meal with friends, spending quality time with a loved one, taking a moment to listen to your body, or reflecting on all the good in your life, you’re already setting yourself up for a wonderful new year. By actively taking care of yourself now, you are taking care of your future you, too.
Way to go. Happy holidays!
