Putting the Health in Holiday

Your health doesn’t get a holiday, so whether you’re feasting with family or thinking of settling in for a long winter’s nap, remember your health.

It’s that time of year: cocoa, bundling up in warm clothes, the smell of cinnamon, decorating the Christmas tree. And, sometimes, it’s the place where you enter the next year a few pounds heavier, and your list of resolutions are mostly related to your health.

This year, instead of making resolutions or false promises, set yourself up for success. Here are some tips that will help you be healthy during this holiday season and start the year fresh!

First–You!

Health is not about what season it is, who is around you, whether you are having too much fun, or what everyone else is eating. Health is about you, all year around, every time, every day. It’s pretty easy to get wound up in the holiday season and eat more than you need. Before you reach out to any of those extra cookies, take a minute and ask yourself, “Am I going to feel good after this?” Most healthy eating mistakes are made when one does not think about the consequences. Think before you eat.

Stay active

You are on a holiday. But your health should never be on holiday. It’s a very simple equation. It is absolutely fine to not be physically active on your holiday. But, if you are one of those who believes in “binge holiday” and then promise yourself to start fresh after the New Year, you’re creating a lot of stress for yourself. Procrastination creates habits which basically sets you up for failure.

When you have just finished a holiday season filled with eating and lying around, it’s extremely difficult to feel good about your body. When you lose confidence, energy wanes, which makes it that much more difficult to get up and move. Your day to be active is today. Don’t wait for the first of January. Start now, and feel good all holiday season!

Get outdoors

One of the great things to do is to include your family in your active lifestyle.

Plan a short hike or a family baseball game or even a walk at the beach. This is a great way for you to stay fit and a great way to connect with your loved ones.

Embrace yourself

There is a high chance you don’t do all off the above but you do want to start fresh on New Year’s. Accept where you are and the decision you have taken and make sure the first thing you do on New Year’s is hit the gym or go for a yoga class. Write it down like an appointment. Set a routine, create a plan, and make sure it’s your first priority each day.

It takes 21 days for your body to adjust to a new routine and for a human to create a habit. Stick to it, and you will be where you need to be.

Every day is a new day. A new opportunity to be a better you in and out.

Stay healthy. Stay happy.