Avoiding the Holiday Stress

The holidays are here!  We love this time of the year for the family time, traditions and memories. However, in the back of our minds we know there is added stress to our lives during the holidays to get everything done; the cooking, baking, shopping, decorating and wrapping - just the thought of the list tends to be overwhelming.

 

 

I’m going to share a few tips to help reduce that stress and stay on your Clean and Healthy Path!

1. Plan your workouts: With a longer to do list, you think you should skip your workout to wrap gifts and get a few more things done. Schedule your workouts so you have the extra fuel in your tank to get you through jammed packed days. Taking time for yourself to workout is equally important during the holidays. Plus, your workouts will help reduce the holiday stress and release endorphins that will give you added holiday cheer! Find a partner or join some classes to help keep you accountable for your workouts.
2. Do not forget your water: With all the running around town picking up those last minute gifts and errands, your body still needs at least 8 glasses of water a day. Always grab extra water on the way out of the house.
3. Sleep tight: Continue to get 8 hours of sleep a night, your rest is still very important during this busy season. Missing out on valuable sleep will just make you more tired the next day and you will still not get ahead on your to do list.
4. Make a list and a budget: Create a special notebook just for holiday notes. In the notebook, you should keep track of your to do list and shopping budget. As items are completed, cross items off your list with a highlighter. It will give you a feeling of accomplishment! Also, sticking to your budget will reduce stress that is why it is so important to keep track of what you spend!
5. Try a new recipe: Now is the time to try some of those clean recipes you’ve been meaning to create. After trying out some of those out, volunteer to bring a dish to share at a holiday event. By keeping your potluck item clean, you know you will have at least one healthy option at your gathering!
6. Be Active: Just because you are at a family function do not mean you have to sit around. Incorporate some activity by getting some family members to take a walk, play tag with the children or hand wash the dishes!! Keep your body moving.
7. Pre-Order: Before you leave for a holiday party, pre-order your evening! Be intentional about what you are going to eat at the event. For example, I am going to fill up on veggies and fruit but I will stay away from those cookies and allow myself to have one glass of wine.

Keep a few other things in mind . . .

Consistency NOT perfection.

The Holidays come and go; your health is always here.

Put the emphasis on the memories and time with your family, remove it from the food.

 

 

 

From my family to yours, enjoy this holiday season.

Take a step back from all the hussle and bussle to remind yourself that we eat clean and train hard for our health and to enjoy this magical time of the year!