For many people, the holiday season is more hectic than happy. There’s certainly plenty to stress about, from hosting holiday parties to shopping for gifts to navigating school breaks and putting together the Thanksgiving turkey. It’s also cold and flu season, adding the threat of sickness to your already strained schedule. Actually,can we just skip to New Years Eve?
If you don’t stay on top of your mental and physical health, the holiday season can leave you feeling haggard – or worse. While you can’t stop Christmas from coming, you can take steps to prepare your body and mind for a healthier and happier holiday season.
Schedule time for self-care.
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in giving to others that you forget to fill your own cup. Before the holiday madness arrives, set aside some time for your favorite self-care activities. This could be getting a manicure, scheduling a massage, or even just watching your favorite movie (without interruptions). As long as it allows you to relax and decompress, it should help you survive the stress of the holiday season.
Drink plenty of water.
Dehydrated is not how you want to enter the holiday season. Drinking plenty of water doesn’t only keep you physically healthy, but also helps maintain your mental health and keep you feeling your best. If you aren’t already, aim to drink between eight and ten full glasses of water every day.
Eat well.
Good nutrition goes a long way in keeping you healthy during times of stress (and let’s face it – holiday meals are rarely the epitome of healthy eating). Fill your pre-holiday plates with plenty of unprocessed foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. As a bonus, you won’t have to feel so guilty for taking an extra few of grandma’s Christmas cookies.
Start a healthy habit.
Healthy resolutions aren’t only for the new year! Make a pact with yourself to start a new healthy habitand maintain it through the holiday season. You could decide to be more active, cut back on sweets and sodas, or get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Starting now will make it easier to stick with your habit through the holidays and put you well ahead of the game on New Years Eve.
Schedule health appointments.
Go ahead and pencil in any check-ups or dental cleanings you should have before the end of the year. Your schedule will only get fuller as you get farther into the holiday season, and putting them on your calendar now means you’ll be less likely to put them off.