“Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.” - Unknown
Surviving the holidays with one’s waistline, bank account, and mental health intact can be challenging for everyone. Brighten up your holiday season by making sure you are putting your health first.
Try out these 10 tips to stay on track this holiday season:
1. "You are "in training" to lead a healthier lifestyle.
When people offer you tempting food options, tell them you are ''in training'' to lead a healthier lifestyle. From experience, many people seem to take that better than if you were to say ''I'm trying to lose weight.'' You can be ''in training'' for anything, including living a healthier life.
2. Mentally practice ahead of time.
Mentally practice passing up foods that you've chosen not to indulge in ahead of time. This makes it easier to actually follow through with your plan when the time comes because you're just reenacting the scene you've already played out in your head many times.
3. Consider dropping off tempting foods at a local homeless shelter or senior living facility.
Do you receive gifts of candy and cookies that you know will be too tempting to avoid? Consider dropping them off at a homeless shelter or senior living facility. These treats can help brighten their day.
4. Practice saying "No".
Say no to the treats you really don't love so you can say yes and enjoy the treats you crave.
5. Spend quality time with your family and friends.
Focus on ways to spend quality time with family and friends that don't include food. You can spend time together while volunteering to ring the bell for the Salvation Army, helping sort food at the local food bank, pulling out a deck of cards or board games, or getting out old pictures, slides, and videos of holidays past and enjoying the memories.
6. Turn the chores into ''stealth'' exercise.
As you are preparing the house for the festivities, turn the chores into ''stealth'' exercise. Put on your workout clothes to get into workout mode. Crank up the inspirational music and vacuum and clean vigorously fast to get your heart rate up. Not only will you get the cleaning done in record time, but you will also fit in an interval workout as well.
7. Make sure you are getting enough sleep.
Don't forget about getting proper sleep and rest amidst your hectic holiday schedule. Feeling refreshed can help you enjoy the season more.
8. Remember it is only one day - do not let it turn into more.
Thanksgiving is a single day in November and Christmas is a single day in December. The holidays do not include all the days in between—unless you let them!
9. Limit social obligations, if you can.
If you can, limit the social obligations to just a few. Showing up to the gathering with some food in your belly will also help you avoid those cravings that strike when you're feeling ravenous. Know yourself and be mindful of the landmines that can sabotage your efforts toward your goals.
10. Do not forget about slowing down, taking a couple of deep breaths, and practicing mindfulness.
With so many things going on during the holidays, you might feel like you are on a quick-moving treadmill and can't get off. When you feel overwhelmed, step back, take a few deep breaths, and try a minute of meditation. Feeling calmer can help you feel more positive.
CHALLENGE: What is NEXT? Well, only YOU can decide what is next. What tips will YOU put into action this holiday season? Bring out the pen and paper, it is time to self-reflect...
