With the holiday season fast approaching, many people find themselves eating more and moving less, but maintain your health during this festive time is not impossible. In fact, with the right strategies, you can enjoy the holiday season without compromising your health and wellbeing. This ultimate guide will provide you with valuable tips and tricks to maintain your health during the holidays, whether it's managing stress, sticking to a workout routine, or making smart food choices.
The importance of prioritising your health
While the holiday season is a time for celebration and indulgence, it's crucial to remember the importance of prioritising our health. Neglecting our health habits can lead to feelings of fatigue, depletion, and even guilt once the festivities are over. By making a conscious effort to maintain our health, we can ensure that we not only enjoy the holiday season, but also start the new year on a positive note. Prioritising our health allows us to have the energy and stamina to fully participate in the festivities and create memories with our loved ones.
Tips for maintaining a healthy diet
During the holiday season, it can be tempting to indulge in all the delicious treats and meals that are traditionally associated with this time of year. However, it's important to remember that maintaining a healthy diet plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
1. Plan ahead: Before attending holiday gatherings, take a moment to plan your meals and snacks for the day. This will help you make healthier choices and avoid overindulging.
2. Practice portion control: Enjoy your favourite holiday dishes but be mindful of your portion sizes. Allow yourself to eat all the great foods but aim to avoid binging. Fill your plate with a variety of healthy and satiating options, such as lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, then add a in a few treats.
3. Stay hydrated: With all the festivities, it's easy to forget to drink enough water. Stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you and sip on it throughout the day.
4. Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to many health problems including dehydration, vomiting, alcohol poisoning, or alcohol-induced disease. Within the Christmas period it is recommended that you follow the regular health guidelines on alcohol consumption. The Australian Guidelines suggest “no more than 10 standard drinks per week or 4 standard drinks within a day”. By staying within this guideline, you can enjoy the holiday season without compromising your health.
Staying active
The holiday season is often a busy time filled with parties, family gatherings, and travel plans. With so much going on, it can be easy to push aside your regular exercise routine. However, staying active during this time is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you stay active amidst the holiday festivities:
1.Move your body as much as possible: During this time of year you may find it difficult to maintain your usual routine, however, some movement is always better than none. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week but if this is challenging for you on a particular day, aim for even 5 or 10 minutes of deliberate exercise. This could be as simple as a morning walk, a home workout, or you could schedule in a gym workout or exercise class. You can also increase your daily movement by doing tasks like housework or yard work.
2. Get creative with your workouts: Don't have access to a gym or your usual workout equipment? No problem! Embrace the holiday spirit by engaging in fun activities like backyard cricket, a walk with the family or beach volley ball.
Balancing social engagements and self-care
During the holiday season, it's no secret that social engagements can quickly fill up our calendars. From office parties to family gatherings and everything in between, it can be overwhelming to juggle it all, however, it's crucial to find a balance between attending social events and prioritising self-care. Firstly, learn to say "no" when necessary. It's okay to decline invitations if you feel like your schedule is getting out of hand. Remember, your wellbeing should always come first. Secondly, make sure to set aside some time for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle. This can include activities like taking a walk, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply indulging in a hobby you enjoy. Taking these moments for yourself will help you manage stress and anxiety that can so easily creep up when things are hectic. This will help you enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing your own wellbeing.
Setting realistic expectations and practicing self-compassion
Setting realistic expectations and practicing self-compassion are key components of maintaining your health during the holiday season. It's important to remember that perfection is not necessary, and it's okay to indulge in your favourite holiday treats in moderation. Placing yourself under strict diet restrictions or trying to avoid all treat foods is not realistic, nor is it healthy. Spending time with your family and friends and eating delicious foods or spending time relaxing is not “slipping up” or “getting off track”, it is feeding your soul. Remember that what you do a few days of the year does not define you, it is what you do most of the time that makes the biggest impact.
Maintaining your health during the holiday season is achievable with the right mindset and approach. By setting realistic expectations, practicing self-compassion, and making healthier choices whenever possible, you can enjoy the festivities while still taking care of your health and wellbeing.