Whether it’s traveling, figuring out a shopping budget, planning big meals, or keeping the peace at family gatherings, the holiday hustle can be exhausting.
Here are a few ways to stay merry and bright throughout the holiday season.
Don’t Skip on Exercise
Many people tend to hit pause on the gym come Thanksgiving and vow to start exercising again after New Year’s. This is a mistake.
Making time for regular exercise (at least 2-3 days a week) will help you stay healthy during the holidays in a number of ways.
- Reduces stress
- Provides an energy boost
- Strengthens your immune system
- Can prevent weight gain
Nobody wants to end the year sick, tired, and feeling like they put on unwanted weight, so get in some cardio!
Travel Smart
Travel during the holidays can be especially tiring, and with so many people passing through airports and roadside travel centers, it’s especially easy to pick up a bug.
A key tip to avoid getting sick is to follow the advice of your kindergarten teacher and wash your hands. Always wash them after using a public restroom, preparing to eat a meal, or after passing through a baggage checkpoint. (Keeping hand sanitizer on you isn’t a bad idea either.)
If you have a compromised immune system or are getting over an illness, masking up when passing through airports, subways, or crowded areas is also a good precaution.
Hydration is Key
Speaking of travel, flying naturally dehydrates the body, so make a point to drink lots of water. Even if you’re not traveling for the holidays, drinking plenty of water is still good. People tend to eat more sugar and salt during the holiday season, and drinking water will help to keep your body hydrated.
It’s also wise to drink at least one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have. This will go a long way in preventing that dreaded holiday office party hangover.
Healthy Eating
Perhaps no other time of year is full of mouthwatering treats and recipes than the holiday season. It’s no secret that many holiday dishes are full of calories, and those calories can quickly add up.
You don’t need to forgo pie and stuffing completely, but simple holiday healthy eating tips like doubling up on veggies, skipping seconds, and not shopping on an empty stomach can go a long way in keeping extra weight off.
And if you’re in charge of the cooking, opting for healthier versions of holiday dishes will help balance out the extra plate of cookies.
Manage Holiday Stress
The holidays can be stressful even for those who seemingly have nerves of steel. Recognizing what causes that holiday stress is the key to managing it. If you feel like you “have to do everything,” then taking on less and saying “no” more often can take extra pressure off your plate.
If relatives are a source of stress, then it’s important to set boundaries. As the saying goes, “You can’t change how others act, but you can determine how you respond.”
The holidays are a wonderful time and enjoying them in a home you love makes the festivities even more special. If you’re looking for your dream home, contact our team to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.
