Staying in the holiday spirit is easy when you maximize 16 healthful habits and keep the stress at bay.
1. BE REALISTIC
Holidays don’t have to be in-person. Video calls are a great alternative to celebrate with loved ones when they aren’t near, avoiding the travel-stress.
2. EAT BETTER, NOT MORE
Choose smaller portions of your holiday favorites with the goal of stopping when you are satisfied, not when feeling over-stuffed.
3. VOLUNTEER
Helping others brings a sense of meaning and appreciation, on the giving and receiving end. Find a local pantry or animal shelter to volunteer at.
4. FAVORITE INDULGENCE
Include a mental enjoy-it allowance for that once-a-year special treat. Once planned, relish it without the guilt.
5. TAKE A BREAK
Step away from the bustle and hustle and go to a quiet place for 15-30 minutes. Focus on your breathing, letting worries take the backseat.
6. DRINK WATER
It’s easy to feel full and satisfied when that glass of water is always handy throughout the day. Shoot for sipping on 8 glasses a day.
7. GIFT EXCHANGE
Instead of buying for everyone, initiate a White Elephant or Secret Santa. It will help out your stress level and wallet at the same time.
8. EXERCISE
Plan your exercise time ahead so it doesn’t get pushed aside by other holiday activities. Once penciled in it’s easier to keep.
9. HEALTHY LEFTOVERS
Grab the nutritious leftovers to take home, leaving the sweets for others. Now you have a premade healthy dinner to enjoy.
10. SING
Time to belt out those holiday tunes and give those feel-good hormones a big boost. Whether in your car or in the shower, sing to your heart’s content.
11. PRACTICE KINDNESS
Whether opening a door or shoveling for a neighbor, random acts of kindness put a smile on your and the receiver’s face.
12. LEAVE A NOTE
Jotting a Have a great day or I love you on a piece of paper or in a text makes someone’s day, leaving you felling good.
13. SMILE
Smiling, even a fake smile, lowers your heart rate, especially after a stressful activity, so show off those pearly whites.
14. TIME OUT
Put yourself on time out and grab that book you’ve been wanting to read or tune into the show you’ve been meaning to watch.
15. STICK TO A BUDGET
Make a list and stick to it. Include price limits on gifts. Keep a running total so you can move amounts from one item to another if needed.
16. YOU’RE YOU
Stop comparing yourself to others as it is easy to pick those at the very top to compare to. Focus more on what you’ve accomplished.
