Healthly Christmas

Stay Healthy Over Christmas

With all the temptation of baking and cooking, the holiday season can often tempt us to stray off the healthy path. After all, Christmas is the perfect time to indulge and enjoy yourself! Nevertheless, there’s a fine line between indulgence and overindulgence, and the holidays shouldn’t be seen as a free pass to the latter. While it may seem like a struggle to balance both the festivities and your health, it’s certainly possible and it doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay healthy over Christmas.   

Moderation is Key

Whether it’s the desserts, dinners or eggnog, everyone has something they love about Christmas. Although not necessarily the healthiest time, it’s important to remember that Christmas only comes once a year, and depriving yourself of your seasonal pleasures will only make you crave them more. Rather than completely lay off them, employ moderation and mindfully enjoy the things you love. For instance, enjoying one cookie or one glass of eggnog with a healthy meal instead of sipping and snacking on them all day.

Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

It’s not uncommon for people to enter the Christmas season with a game plan. If you’re determined to stay healthy over Christmas and the new year, be sure to set realistic health goals and expectations. Rather than trying to form new habits during one of the most tempting times of the year, focus on consistency and maintaining your existing habits. Leave yourself enough room to have fun without depriving yourself of those end-of-year treats. For example, focus on maintaining your current weight instead of setting weight loss goals throughout the festivities.

Keep an Active Mind

With Christmas comes time off work, and time off work brings about the temptation to do things like binge-watch your favorite TV shows. Mental health is just as important as physical health during the holiday season, and keeping an active mind is essential to maintaining your mental health over the holidays. Instead of idly browsing social media or lazing about in front of the TV, take the opportunity to engage in more mentally stimulating activities like board games or puzzles.  

Don’t Stress Over the Little Things

On the topic of mental health, we understand that Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year for some, especially in these trying times. With all the spending, cooking, cleaning, and visitors (or lack thereof) to worry about, things can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming but it’s important to remember that Christmas only comes once a year. Make a conscious effort to reduce stress and keep a sense of proportion about what really matters. No matter what happens, take everything with a grain of salt.  

Maintain a Healthy Immune System

Staying healthy over Christmas involves maintaining a healthy immune system. Eating healthy and exercising whenever possible, as well as getting plenty of rest and keeping an eye on your alcohol consumption, can all help you stay healthy over Christmas.  

Long-term, Sustainable Health Solutions in Calgary

Christmas and the holiday season can really take a toll on both your physical and mental health. Following these simple tips should help you maintain your wellness and stay healthy over the holidays. Reach out to Calgary Integrative Medicine if you’re in the Calgary area and looking for long-term, sustainable health solutions to keep you healthy over Christmas and the upcoming year.

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