With Thanksgiving around the corner, the beginning of the holiday season has officially arrived!
The holidays can be a busy time of year filled with cocktail parties, nights out with friends, family gatherings and other social get-togethers. With so many events and all the sweets & treats that we are surrounded by, it can be easy to let our healthy habits slip.
Truth be told, maintaining healthy habits through the holidays can be possible with a little planning and mindfulness. Just because it’s the holidays, we don’t have to say goodbye to our healthy lifestyle. Try following these tips:
- Get enough rest.
Studies have shown that people who sleep at least 8 hours a night are about 3 times less likely to catch a cold. Also, when we are sleep-deprived, we are more likely to make unhealthy choices. - Stay hydrated.
Our bodies depend on water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ needs water to perform properly. Staying hydrated helps keep your immune system strong so you can fend off illness. - Make time for your workouts.
Staying active will help to counterbalance the added indulgences so we don’t gain weight. - Prepare healthy meals in advance.
By taking the time to stock the freezer with healthy meals ahead of time, you will be grateful when you can pop one in the oven when you are short on time. - Avoid germs.
Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Carry disinfectant wipes that you can use to sanitize armrests, door handles or airplane tray tables. - Focus on friends and family.
The holidays are meant to be spent with friends and family. Don’t let your growing to-do list get in the way of spending quality time with your loved ones. - Give yourself a break!
While the holidays are not an excuse to go haywire on your healthy habits, it is okay to give yourself a break from time to time. So if you over-indulged at the holiday party last night or you didn’t exercise today, that’s okay! Do the best you can and don’t beat yourself up if you “messed up.”
Happy holidays!
