Recently I’ve seen a lot of blog posts with titles such as “Surviving the Holiday’s” or “Getting Through the Christmas Season”. I believe we shouldn’t be trudging through this winter break, but should do our best to enjoy it, and continue to work towards our long term goals. Here are 4 tips to not just survive through the holidays, but to THRIVE.
1. Manage Stress Levels
It can be draining, potentially dealing with family issues or watching your bank account drastically decline as you pay for presents; learning how to manage stress will help you this holiday season. Understand your limits. If you need a break, don’t hesitate to say “no” to an event if you’re really not feeling up to it.
2. Continue to Get Movement in
Exercise can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, which are often heightened during the winter time. It can be easy to make excuses as it’s cold outside, the sun is gone, and your couch and blanket look too inviting. This is a great time to remind yourself of why you set your goals, or even to create new challenges to inspire you to get moving.
3. Eat Good Food
Yes, enjoy the yummy Christmas dinner with dessert. These things won’t make or break you. If you find yourself in the “all or nothing” mentality, this is a good time to challenge those thoughts. You can enjoy a slice, without eating the whole pie. You can strive to hit your protein goal, while having some of grandma’s famous cranberry sauce. Hitting your goals, and enjoying holiday food are not mutually exclusive.
4. Connect with Family and Friends
Step away from work, your computer, your phone, and connect with those around you. An often overlooked aspect of health is community, and friendship. Our emotional health is just as important as our physical health. Making meaningful connections with people helps grow our confidence, avoid feelings of loneliness, and can aid to offset stressors.
I encourage you to approach the holidays with a positive mindset. Avoid abandoning your healthy habits, as these will help guide you to a more enjoyable season. It is possible to truly thrive in your mental and physical health this winter time. You got this!