The holidays are fast approaching and while this is an exciting time of year, it can be challenging for those who want to make healthy choices. Our routines can be disrupted, causing us to skip the gym. Parties and get-togethers are often coupled with food and drinks that don’t align with our health goals. These distractions can lead to poor choices.
We can become so caught up in the magic of Christmas that we stop prioritizing our Habits of Health. Practicing mindfulness and setting manageable goals will help you navigate the holidays with more ease. For example, taking five minutes a day to listen to your breathing can help reduce stress or rather than attending every holiday event or gathering, focus on the ones that bring you the most joy and connection.
Creating Optimal Health is a lifestyle. Not a temporary fix.
Habits of Health take practice, even when we reach the point of a habit being automatic. We still need to make thoughtful choices every day to help us nurture and maintain those habits. Knowing what works for you takes time.
Here are several tips that can help this holiday season:
- Focus on family and friends—not what’s on the table. Connect with loved ones by asking them stories about their favorite Christmas memory or what they plan on doing in the new year.
- Bring your favorite healthy dish to the potluck or have your fueling before you go so you won’t feel as hungry.
- Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated throughout the holiday. Drinking water helps with appetite control and to avoid dehydration, which can cause you to feel sluggish and tired.
- Don’t skip breakfast. While this tip is important throughout the year, during the holidays our days can become longer and we can be more likely to snack on foods that don’t align with our goals.
- Get outside. Set time aside to walk your favorite path or participate in outdoor activities like ice skating or skiing (if it’s cold enough where you are). Not only does this count as exercise, but it can also help improve your mood and reduce stress.
Stop. Challenge. Choose.
Finally, when you feel that “icky sauce” bubble up, or you can feel yourself begin to struggle, remember Stop. Challenge. Choose. Take a deep breath or have a drink of water. Give yourself some time before you respond. Then challenge why you are feeling that way so you can choose the outcome you really want.
The holidays are filled with opportunities to begin—or keep building—this powerful tool. One of the examples I like to share is when I’m driving and I find myself behind someone who is going slower than I am. In situations like this, getting angry and feeling stressed can be easy. Instead, I take a deep breath. I challenge myself, “Maybe this person is lost or new to the area.” Then I choose a direction that serves me better. I could spend that time feeling angry, or I could use that extra time to catch up on a podcast or strategize my day.
You can use Stop. Challenge. Choose. at the grocery store when you gather ingredients for your Christmas dinner, when you are shopping for your loved ones, and during holiday events where lots of sweets are being offered.
With practice, you will find that you are no longer competing with the people and events around you. Instead, you are looking within and beginning to take back control of your inner world.
Head into this holiday season with a feeling of love and excitement.
This is a life-long journey. You will have ups and downs along the way—especially during the holidays. If you have tips to share that help you during the holidays—and every day—share them with our community. You never know who you could be helping out!
Happy Holidays everyone!