The holidays are supposed to be a merry time. Instead, it’s often an occasion for overspending, overdoing, and overeating—and that can leave you feeling stressed, tired, and down on yourself. These tips can help you recapture the joy of the season and take better care of your health.
Reset Your Expectations
The number-one priority: Don’t aim for the perfect holiday. It doesn’t exist. Instead, focus on having a relaxing, meaningful holiday that honors your personal, cultural, and religious traditions.
Maintain Healthy Habits
Follow your usual schedule for meals, exercise, and sleep as much as possible. You might even work in a little extra physical activity.
When things start feeling hectic rather than fun, give yourself permission to put up fewer decorations or turn down some invitations.
Prep Your Party Strategy
Have a plan for enjoying yourself at parties without wrecking your good eating habits. Grab a healthy snack beforehand, so you won’t arrive ravenous. Once you’re at the party, scope out the food table and decide what you’ll eat before you start filling your plate. Think before you drink, too.
Don’t Overspend on Gifts
Spending beyond your means leads to stress—and money worries can dog you well into the New Year. Scale back your gift list and stick with a shopping budget. Or give homemade items, which will often be treasured long after store-bought presents have been forgotten.
In addition, consider sharing your time by volunteering. Helping others feels good, and it puts your own life challenges in perspective. It’s a great way to tap into the true spirit of holiday giving. |
