That time of the year has come when we are all rushing to buy all the decorations for the holidays, shopping for gifts that we put off until the very last minute, and trying to prep for the upcoming Christmas dinners. The holiday season is the time when everything regarding our health is thrown out the window because we are too caught up in doing other things. In these stressful times, it is absolutely necessary for us to take care of your physical and mental well-being too. Here are 5 easy tips that you should follow for a healthy and stress-free Christmas.
Avoid The Processed Food
While prepackaged foods may be the easier and quicker option for everyone, they are not the healthiest choice. These foods use excess amounts of sugar and salt as preservatives, which can be bad for your body. Whether it is a soup or a sauce, try making it on your own. This helps you understand your food better and appreciate it more. If you are short on time, prepare the ingredients ahead of time and your task will be much easier.
Take More Vegetables…
… and no, mashed potatoes do not count. Yes, the stars of Christmas dinners are always well-roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. But, that does not mean you should avoid vegetables. Try serving a veggie-based appetizer or adding roasted asparagus or carrots with your meats. This ensures that the entire dinner is well-balanced. You should always have salads for lunch if you are going heavy on meat for dinner so that you can keep it light and enjoy it more.
Always Remember To Exercise
It is extremely important to keep your fitness in check, no matter how many things you have on your plate. It does not matter if it is a five-minute stretch or a quick walk around your block; all that matters is that you put your muscles to work. Stress is fairly common during the hectic holiday season. It is something that happens to everyone, and regular exercise is a proven way to reduce it. You can also try meditating or yoga as alternatives to workouts.
Get Some Me Time
It's true that the holidays are all about family and friends. You need to spend time with them and bask in the spirit of the season. However, it is also essential that you make time for yourself. It's so easy to get caught up in taking care of others and worrying about everything that you lose sight of yourself. Don’t do that. Besides adding to your own stress, there's a high chance you will pass it on to others. So pause, take a break, and have your own self-care routine. It can be as simple as a few breathing exercises or brewing a cup of tea and enjoying it alone. Journaling is also a good option that helps you remember your blessings in life.
Try To Have a Proper Sleep Schedule
Sleep is the answer to everything. Running on short and irregular sleep can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. Your potential to do more work is largely reduced if you do not get the right amount of rest. This is especially important during Christmas dinners and parties when your full, concentrated presence is crucial. So try to stick to a regular sleep schedule in order to enjoy your holidays to the fullest.
Final Word
The holidays are all about having the best time with your family, and it is necessary for you to be your best self to enjoy it. While not everything may go your way, it is important to create memories and take care of yourself to enjoy your new year even more. We hope you have a joyous holiday season and will go into the new year stronger than ever. Happy Holidays!
