Health during the Holidays!
The holidays, although a beautiful time to share with friends and family, can come with an insane amount of stress. From the shopping demands, holiday parties/dinners (endless stuffing your face and nightcaps) to the decorating and extents you go to, to preserve the illusion of Santa Claus. So how do you maintain your health and mental sanity during this winter wonderland? KEEPING A ROUTINE! I find that making sure I still have a healthy breakfast such as a juice/smoothie and hitting the gym or yoga studio keeps me grounded in my healthy habits. This can carry over with your kids too, like making sure they have a consistent bedtime routine. This Christmas season try creating a non-negotiable list for you and your family. What things do you need to prioritize when it comes to your health and the health of your family? How can you set yourself up for success?
Check out these 5 ways to keep you and your family healthy this holiday season.
1. Family Dinners. Having dinner around the table at least 3 times a week can create a healthy family culture that drives connection and reduces overall holiday stress. (key: no electronics allowed!)
2. Exercise together. This can be with your partner, kids or even friend. Having an accountability partner increases your chances of being successful and reaching your goals.
3. Choose a non-negotiable, healthy meal time. Breakfast has always worked for me here, especially during the holidays with dinner parties and shopping trips intertwined. Choose a fresh juice or superfood smoothie to start your day, everyday, no matter what!
4. Go for a walk after dinner. Yes, this is not just for your grandparents. Research has shown that walking after dinner can aid in digestion, lower blood sugar, and reduce heart disease. Plus being outside is great for your mental health so this is a WIN WIN.
5. Perform acts of kindness. What's better than doing something nice for someone else and in return getting lower cortisol levels. Kindness is cardioprotective and can also release those feel good hormones that boost your mood.