Christmas is right around the corner as are good times with friends and family and all the food. While indulging may seem like a good idea, maintaining a balanced approach will help you stay on track. This will give you the freedom to partake in the festivities without guilt. In this article, we offer you tips to do both simultaneously.

If we had to select one word for focus, it would be “keep.” Here are several tips to “keep” healthy during the holidays, and in fact, year-round.

  1. Keep doctor’s appointments. Since more is going on during the holidays, we are inclined to delay or even cancel doctor’s appointments. It can wait, we tell ourselves. But if it can wait, why did we make the appointment in the first place? Even if an appointment could be delayed, it makes us feel better to put ourselves first, Remember self-care is the best care. So, consider leaving that doctor’s appointment as scheduled, even if it’s on December 24th or 31st.
  2. Keep exercising. Hello, endorphin release! An exercise regimen is by far one of the most effective means to stay healthy and elevate your mood. Imagine arriving at the New Year’s party after having worked out that day instead of skipping the gym. If you worked out, you’ll have more confidence and be more social.
  3. Keep eating healthy foods. Everyone has their preferred holiday foods, and they’re likely not a red pepper or a banana. An easy way to enjoy egg nog and fruit cake is to eat healthy foods first. Fill up on fresh salads, whole grains, and protein, and then move on to dessert. When dessert becomes a meal, things go awry, so if healthy eating is a priority food choices are simple.
  4. Keep taking breaks. Even if times are good, we often rush from one thing to another. Many of us still have our regular jobs and family responsibilities during the holiday season, and even if not, just being on vacation can present stressors. Be sure to take breaks for yourself – a brisk walk, a TV show, meditation, knitting, the classic coffee break, etc. Even just a ten-minute break can serve to revive us for whatever we need to accomplish.
  5. Keep focused on the fun. Parties and family gatherings, while deemed fun, can present social pressure and anxiety. If this is the case, try to focus on one fun thing during the event. The positivity will go a long way and might even work to dissipate any ill feelings, helping keep mental health intact.

The main challenge of the holiday season is keeping up the routine aspects of your life that you enjoy. By maintaining healthy practices, you will be able to more fully enjoy the festivities that come with the holiday season. Season’s Greetings!