Five Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season

Five Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us! For most people, this is a fun time of year filled with friends, family, and celebrations. However, it can also be a stressful one and a time where healthy choices may be tougher to make than usual.

Here are five ways that you can stay healthy during the holiday season while still having a great time.

Enjoy your Favourites

The holiday season is filled with parties, dinners, treats, and numerous opportunities to eat more than you should. If you overindulge on every snack at every event, you won’t be doing your health any favours. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your favourites. If there are certain foods or treats that you look forward to all year, you don’t have to deprive yourself. However, you may want to take a pass on the other items that don’t mean as much to you.

Stay Active

The holidays are very busy and you might be tempted to skip your regular workouts when you’re short on time, but try to stay active. Modify your workout routines as necessary and take whatever opportunities you can to be active, even if it means parking a bit farther from the mall and going for a short walk.

Dress Appropriately

Winter weather is often cold, but it can also be unpredictable. A bright and sunny winter day can turn dark and gloomy quite quickly, so you’ll want to be prepared. Dress in layers, go inside when you need to, and pay attention to the weather forecast before you head out.

Manage Stress

There’s so much going on during the holidays that it can certainly be stressful. To prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed, take a break when you need it. This might mean saying no to a social invitation, missing an event, or skipping an obligation, but it’s important to manage your mental health. It’s also a good idea to get plenty of sleep as it’s more difficult to remain calm and handle stress when you’re tired.

Control your Alcohol Intake

If you’re going to consume alcohol during the holidays, be responsible. Not only is too much alcohol bad for your health, but drinking and driving puts everyone on the road in danger. If you’re going to drink, make sure you have an alternate way of getting home. If you’re hosting a party, provide several non-alcoholic options so that guests can still enjoy themselves without drinking alcohol.