Studio Laurus Blog 10 Tips for a Healthier, Happier, Less Stressful Holiday Season

Happy Thanks-anxiety and Merry Stress-mas! The social gatherings and traditions that allow us the opportunity to give thanks and celebrate with the people we care about the most is where the beauty of the holiday season can be found. But for many of us, the holiday season also includes responsibilities that can be stressful. Whether it's finding the perfect recipes for the family's Thanksgiving meal, or driving long distances, sitting in traffic to visit relatives, or simply not having a moment to disconnect because your sharing a cabin with 15 people can make the holiday season very hectic. These 10 tips I'd like to share with you come from my personal "holiday survival kit" that I have used to help me maintain my healthy lifestyle year after year for the past 20 years. You don't have to achieve all of these but choose a few that will be the most helpful for your self-care this holiday season. 1. Maintain Your Routine.It's easy to throw your daily routine out the window when you're out on vacation or hosting family members. Maintaining your daily routine (to the best of your ability) is the number one way you can maintain your happiness. For example, if you usually eat all your meals at home and during the holidays you find yourself eating many more meals at restaurants or on the road that's a sure way to cause your body to respond with an upset stomach or irritable mood. It's ok to say no to one more cookie or cocktail if it will maintain your joy in the long-term. Simple, be mindful about maintain your daily routine throughout the holiday season. 2. Daily exercise.You're off the clock and your dream vacation is to enjoy a movie marathon or binge-watch your favorite show on Netflix. Wonderful, that's one way to spend your vacation. However, before or after you recline on your favorite Lazy Boy, go for a walk, a quick run, or to your favorite Pilates class. Daily exercise is critical to provide your mind with fresh oxygen, keep your muscles strong, and your blood pressure at a healthy level for your body to enjoy your favorite holiday treats. 3. Nutrition.It's east to indulge in all of your favorite holiday meals, treats, and drinks that are high in fat and sugar content. Instead, consider introducing your friends and family to some of your favorite healthy meals this holiday season. It could be your delicious sautéed brussels sprouts dish or baked potatoes stuffed with veggies. There's always room for veggies before apple pie and hot cocoa. 4. Easy on the sugar.This goes hand in hand with maintaining your nutritional awareness during the holiday season. Limiting your sugar intake can never be underestimated. Binge eating all your holiday treats and beverages can lead to mood swings, headaches, low-energy, fatigue, hunger, inflammation, among other dangerous effect of excess sugar in your blood stream. Enjoy your treats with moderation for a happier holiday season. 5. Water is life.Don't' forget to stay hydrated. It's easy to forget to drink water when you're traveling, cooking meals, or sipping on adult beverages. Water lubricates your joints, boosts glowing skin, flushes wastes, regulates body temperature, among many more benefits. Refill your trusty hydro flask and keep it within reach to ensure your quick and easy water intake. 6. Sleep.Often, especially during the holidays, it's hard to rest and rejuvenate. There are countless stories of situations that cause you to be sleep deprived. You haven't seen your dearest friends and family in a long time and lose track of time sharing stories. The kids are reluctant to honor their bedtimes because they are playing with their new toys and video games. Your flight was delayed, causing you to arrive to your destination well past your normal bedtime. Whatever it may be, for all the times that it is within your control to choose to retreat into your bedroom oasis you'll receive the wonderful benefits. You'll maintain a healthy weight, prevent sickness through a strong immune system, and improve your mood and concentration. 7. Yoga.Carving out some time, such as 20, 30, or 75 minutes of physical yoga practice can provide the opportunity connect to your breath, body, and spirit to give you a boost of energy to spread more joy. A yoga session can decrease stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. Yoga will increase sleep quality, vitality, and overall quality of life. 8. Meditation.For some, the holiday season brings to the surface emotional, financial, and personal challenges. Tough political conversations with family members, stress regarding holiday expenditures, or any other challenges you and your loved ones may be experiencing can transform your environment. Meditation is a great way to control anxiety, promote emotional health, reduce stress, and enhance self-awareness. Choose the type of meditation that works best for you. Mantra meditation, mala beads meditation, breathing exercises (pranayama), moving meditation such as Tai Chi or yoga, among others have wonderful benefits. 9. Dance.Enjoy yourself and share a dance with your favorite people! It's a great way to get your daily exercise and boost your happiness. Whether you dance to your favorite holiday songs or throwback to your favorite artists from your youth, don't skip out on the wonderful benefits of dance. 10. Make a self-care plan.Finally, all this information would go to waste if you don't incorporate some of these healthy tips during the holiday season. Choose three ways you'll practice creating a more healthy, happier, less-stressful holiday season for all. How wonderful would it be if you spark new family traditions such as running a Turkey Trot 5K before Thanksgiving dinner, talking a family walk after breakfast, or you celebrate the new year with a yoga session with all you friends. Take the time to create your self-care plan, maintain your commitment to your goals, and have fun including friends and family in your new healthy holiday traditions. Happy Holidays!