2 Habits to a Healthier Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us. While it may be the happiest time of year, it’s not always the healthiest time of year.

We’re surrounded by food that may be tempting our tastebuds, but they’re not helping us to feel our best. Let’s create a plan this year to support our body well this holiday season with the lifestyle habits to feel our best now and going into the New Year!

Prioritize getting your rest

This one is definitely easier said than done during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I know. However, when our to-do list becomes overwhelming it can increase stress and it’s no secret that stress can increase our cravings for sugar.

So, during a time of year when holiday “treats” seem to be around every corner, we want to add fuel to the temptation by walking around stressed with cravings sky high. Find some simple ways that you can tuck a few minutes of rest throughout your day.

Personally, I keep some essential oils on my desk so I can apply them to keep me calm – physically, mentally, and emotionally. I also try to incorporate a walk into my day a couple of times a week.

On days that I don’t get outside for a walk, I at least try to have the windows down in the car when I’m driving so, I can enjoy a couple of deep breaths of fresh air. I’ve also set a cut-off time for myself at the end of the day so I can start winding down for bed.

I previously would work around the house until it was time to go to bed. Now that I build in time for relaxing at the end of the day, I find my quality – and quantity – of sleep to be much better.

You don’t need a 40-minute daily meditation to manage stress. It can be a few simple deep breaths or stretches at your desk to start and you can always grow from there but start with something today.

Put your focus on those around you

This second piece of the puzzle was one that I learned in time and has become quite a blessing. I used to go to events with my mind primarily focused on the food that will be served.

Shortly after arriving, I would often try to get a glimpse of what was being served and then build a plate to enjoy. The people there were an afterthought to food.

Now that I’ve changed my diet to support my health, I’m much more limited with what I can have and it’s rarely what is served at parties. So, in time I started to flip my focus on enjoying the people that were at an event versus the food.

At first, it was an effort to maintain this mindset, but each time I practiced it, it became easier and more natural. Focus on getting “filled up” by building connections with others.

It’s allowed me to be much more present in these conversations and experience what the holidays are truly about – time with family and friends.