Maintaining Wellness Goals during the Holiday Season
The holidays are meant to be fun, cheerful times spent with friends and families. However, often times they can become stressful for people, which makes it difficult to practice self-care habits and maintain current routines you may have started implementing into your daily life. Sticking to wellness goals during the holidays can be challenging, but it's possible with a few simple strategies.
Set Realistic Goals - Be realistic about what you can achieve during the holidays. Set specific, achievable goals that align with the festivities but don't compromise your health. Given that your schedule may become busier, be aware of this and adjust your current routines and habits to fit into your life. The goal is to find a healthy balance between wellness and enjoyment!
Plan Ahead - Plan your workouts and meals in advance. Schedule exercise sessions and plan healthy meals, so you're less likely to deviate from your routine. Planning ahead can help you find time in your busy schedule that you can devote to yourself and your healthy habits, helping you feel your best this holiday season!
Mindful Eating - Enjoy holiday treats in moderation. Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your body's signals of fullness. This will allow you to enjoy your favorite holiday foods and activities while also making your body feel properly fueled.
Stay Active - Even if your routine changes, find ways to stay active. Take walks after meals, do home workouts, or engage in holiday-themed physical activities with family and friends. Physical activity can be difficult to maintain when the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter, but it will help release those endorphins to make you feel your best and relieve stress!
Healthy Substitutions - When cooking or baking, try healthier ingredient substitutions to reduce calorie intake without compromising taste. Bonus points if you can find a recipe that is higher in protein as well! This will help keep you fuller for longer and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to feel its best.
Prioritize Self-Care - Don’t forget self-care amidst the hustle! Take time for relaxation, meditation, or activities that help reduce stress. By reducing stress levels, you can focus on enjoying this time.
Practice Moderation - Indulge sensibly. Allow yourself occasional treats without overindulging. Balance is key!
Get Enough Sleep - Maintain a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. Lack of sleep can disrupt your metabolism and increase cravings. Low energy levels can also make it more difficult to practice healthy habits and routines.
Focus on Enjoyment - Instead of solely focusing on food, prioritize the joy of spending time with loved ones, creating memories, and engaging in holiday activities. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so be sure to do things that make you happy this time of year.
Remember, it's okay to enjoy the holidays and the special foods that come with them. Balance and moderation are key. If you veer off track occasionally, don’t be too hard on yourself—get back on course the next day. Slipping up once does NOT mean you have to start over! Flexibility and consistency will help you maintain your wellness goals during this festive season.