The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, with the abundance of delicious food, social gatherings, and disruptions to your regular routine, maintaining your wellness can be challenging. Here are some effective strategies to help you stay balanced and healthy throughout the festivities.
Here’s our list of things you can do to Stay Healthy Over the Holidays
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Establishing small, realistic goals can help keep your wellness journey on track during the holidays. Instead of overhauling your entire routine, focus on manageable objectives that fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
- SMART Goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.
- Example: Aim to drink 2 litres of water daily or include at least three servings of vegetables in your meals each day.
- Short-term Benefits: Keeps you hydrated and nourished, promoting better digestion and energy.
- Long-term Benefits: Reinforces healthy habits that you can carry into the new year, and improves bodily function and processes.
- Example: Aim to drink 2 litres of water daily or include at least three servings of vegetables in your meals each day.
2. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is crucial, especially during the holidays when alcohol and sugary drinks are more prevalent. Proper hydration supports metabolism, digestion, and energy levels.
- Daily Intake: Aim for the Australian guideline of 2.1 litres (8 cups) for women and 2.6 litres (10 cups) for men.
- Hydration Timetable:
- Morning: Start your day with a glass of water to kickstart hydration.
- Mid-morning: Have a glass with a piece of fruit or herbal tea.
- Lunch: Drink a glass of water before eating to aid digestion.
- Afternoon: Refill your bottle and sip steadily to stay hydrated.
- Dinner: Drink another glass of water, especially if indulging in rich foods.
- Evening: Finish your day with a final glass of water or herbal tea to wind down.
3. Make Space for Activity
The holidays are a time to unwind, connect with loved ones, and enjoy yourself. While physical activity is important, so is staying stress-free and prioritising joy.
- Schedule What You Enjoy: Plan time for activities that make you happy, like a family game night, watching holiday movies, or baking with loved ones.
- Engage with Family: Encourage group activities like a morning walk, a beach outing, or a backyard cricket game.
- Short Workouts: Stay on top of your health with quick exercises—10-minute yoga sessions, bodyweight workouts, or even dancing to your favourite music. These bursts of movement keep your energy up without taking over your schedule.
4. Practice Mindful Eating
Holiday meals are often indulgent, but practising mindful eating can help you enjoy the festivities without overindulging. Make sure to pay attention to flavours and textures, eating slowly to recognise when you’re full. The following can help:
- Portion Control: Serve smaller portions to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and allow yourself to go back for seconds if needed.
- Balanced Plates: Focus on nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Healthy Swaps: Consider lighter versions of traditional dishes, like roasted veggies instead of heavy casseroles.
5. Detox Mindfully
While we’re not advocating a radical detox, the holiday season often brings indulgences that can leave you feeling sluggish. The holiday break also provides a great opportunity to balance indulgence with preparation for the new year.
- Indulge with Awareness: Fully enjoy the holiday meals and treats without guilt. Holidays are meant to be celebrated!
- Reset for the New Year: Use the downtime after the holidays to transition into a healthier routine. Focus on balanced meals, hydration, and gentle movement to prepare your body for a fresh start.
- Supplemental Support: Incorporate products like Ausvitals Liver Detox to aid your liver in processing holiday indulgences, helping you feel refreshed as you step into the new year.
Final Thoughts
Staying balanced and healthy during the holiday season is entirely possible with thoughtful planning and mindful choices. By setting small goals, staying hydrated with a practical schedule, making time for joyful activities and short workouts, practising mindful eating, and detoxing mindfully, you can enjoy the festivities while maintaining your wellness.
Remember, the key is balance. Celebrate wholeheartedly, cherish the moments, and take care of yourself to ensure you feel your best throughout the holidays and beyond. Here’s to your health and happiness!
