Do you find yourself sneaking in an extra dessert or two off the table during the holiday season? Or, letting yourself indulge in more drinks than you would have otherwise? Or, perhaps, you find yourself feasting on fast food at the mall food court in between your holiday shopping. The holiday season is a time to unwind and it is natural to let loose a little. What often makes it better is knowing that the New Year will inevitably bring a new start, once the party is over.
If you are like most of us and tend to overindulge during the holidays, but also suffer from an aftermath of guilt and low self-esteem, here are some tips to ward off the stress in these merry times:
- Just because you had one fatty, high-calorie meal, or even three for that matter, doesn’t mean the next one has to be the same. Try to fit in some healthy meals or snacks in between the festive meals to redeem yourself.
- Try to stick to your exercise routine. This will not only help you stay fit and maintain your weight but may help to reduce your stress related to holiday feasting and general inactivity during these festive weeks.
- Keep an eye on your alcohol intake. Family drama can rear up over the holidays, and one drink too many can open up cans of worms that you would rather keep shut. You don’t want to dampen the holiday spirit!
- Refrain from self-deprecation and engage in positive self-talk. Instead of ruminating over “failing” to maintain your diet or exercise regimen during this time, forgive yourself – and tell yourself that it is okay, and will get better.
- Make a plan for the New Year. Although it is immensely difficult to maintain your new year’s resolutions, setting achievable and realistic goals can lead to sustainable results. Think about the ways that you can attain a healthy life over the course of the next year.
Ultimately, the holidays are not meant to be a time of deprivation. They are a time to get together with loved ones and enjoy a few (or many) good meals. The holidays come around only once per year, after all!
Happy Holidays!
