In a perfect world, the upcoming holidays, especially Christmas, would be a time of slow summer days lazing on lilos and sipping champagne without care. It might be the case for some, but for others, this doesn’t picture their reality. For some, the festive season is spent with friends looking to socialise and party; for others, this time of year is synonymous with bustling family gatherings accompanied by truckloads of food. Irrespective of how we spend our holidays, we usually have limited time to focus on the things that keep us healthy, which include our exercise routines, upkeeping a good diet, and taking care of our mental health. But with the seasonal accompaniment of many and sometimes far travelling, busy schedules and depleting our bank accounts on gifts, who can blame us?
We must be mindful that the festive season is only temporary and that we can take a break and thoroughly enjoy the add-ons that come standard. However, to avoid feeling stressed out, sluggish or downright tired after the holidays, we recommend you do the following:
- Be mindful of your mental health.
Your mindset is crucial in any situation or circumstance, and taking care of your mental health during the holidays will be a determining factor in getting the most enjoyment of your time.
Start by:
- Ditching the thoughts surrounding festive consumption habits, taking a break and not letting guilt consume you if you overindulge or miss an occasional workout.
- Making me time daily for self-care. Because holidays are known for socialising, shopping or cooking and are filled with togetherness and traditions, we tend to get caught up and put our needs on the back burner. For mental and emotional health, it is essential to take time out to go for a walk, meditate, take a relaxing bath or read a good book – anything that doesn’t involve others and allows you to unwind.
- Say NO to the ALL or NOTHING nonsense.
Demystifying holiday food and allowing yourself to eat whatever you want will assist you in taking control of your food choices. Most people who deprive themselves end up overindulging on the next occasion and feeling sick. The best way to go about festive food consumption is to indulge mindfully and to use the “anything in moderation” approach.
Try the following:
- Add more veggies to your plate. Although many Christmas dishes look good, we don’t always feel good after eating them. Too much gluten, sugar or dairy can leave us feeling bloated and sluggish and may typically cause stomach aches or even headaches. Make the most of the side dishes by adding more vegetables and salad to your plate.
- Have healthy snacks before big meals. Opt for at least two nutritious meals before the big feast to prevent hunger and low blood sugar. Avoid fasting before feasting to limit overindulgence and assist you in deciding what your body really wants. Snack on carrots, celery or leafy greens, or a handful of nuts or biltong
- Stay hydrated.
Drink water often to maintain cell fluids, deliver nutrients, and limit your intake of high-calorie drinks like cider or cocktails. If you consume alcohol during the holidays, alternate them with glasses of water. Your body will thank you for the following day!
- Keep MOVING!
Because the holidays are usually busy, missing workouts is understandable. Make a point of doing an activity every day for at least 10 – 20 minutes. Exercise should not be a mindless chore but rather make part of your daily routine; not something you are supposed to do, but rather something you do because it makes you feel good.
Reinvent your holiday workout by:
- Going for walks.
- Working out with fitness apps or online tutorials.
- Stretching.
- Swimming.
- Get extra sleep.
Holidays are a time of fun and family but also a time to rest and restore. You don’t need to wake up early for work, and more sleep should be a given. Getting enough sleep improves mood and energy and allows us to make better food choices by limiting cravings that come with a lack of sleep.
- Stay on top of the season with supplements.
Health nut or not, supplements help with staying healthy during the holidays. Boost your immune system, keep your skin healthy with nutrients including Vitamin A and C, and fight possible illness with Zinc. Improve your mood and manage stress with Ginseng – all of which is found in our VITATONIC MULTIVITAMIN, which has been scientifically developed to give your body the proper nutrients to eradicate nutritional shortfalls in your diet.
Lastly, make it a friend or family affair and rethink your take on traditions. The holiday season is an ideal time to pause and reflect on how we spend our time, who we spend it with, and especially if what we buy and consume brings us joy. It is an opportunity to talk to our loved ones, suggest new ideas and incorporate traditions that are good for our souls and bodies.
