8 Holiday Self-Care Tips To Stay Healthy

The holidays are just around the corner, and while it is a joyful time of year, it can also be very stressful. While we’re busy decorating the hallways and checking off gift lists, our own well-being often falls short, leading to anxiety, fatigue, or even burnout or illness.

In this article, we’ll discuss simple, practical holiday self-care tips to improve your well-being, plus important precautions to keep colds and flu at bay.

Holiday self-care tips for a healthier, more joyful season

Stay active.

The holidays don’t have to derail your physical health. It’s crucial to continue with an exercise routine, or, if you’re just starting regular physical activity, to start doing so, even during the busiest time of year.

Even a short daily walk or at-home activity like yoga can combat weight gain, reduce stress, and help you enjoy the festivities more.

Exercise improves your mood by releasing endorphins (chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers). It also reduces the levels of the body’s stress hormones, namely adrenaline and cortisol. Additionally, it supports your ability to get a good night’s sleep, reducing stress.

So don’t skip the gym because you’re busy. Or, if you simply can’t make time to exercise during the holidays, get the family involved. Consider participating in fun, holiday-themed runs, or simply playing in the snow (or in the yard, if you’re in a warmer climate).

These are great ways to take care of your health while still spending time with family and friends.

Make (mostly) healthy food choices.

While it’s tempting and completely normal to indulge during the holidays, pairing festive treats with nutritious meals is crucial to maintaining your health and well-being.

Watch your portions at parties and supplement with low-calorie, nutritious options when available. You can also practice the 80/20 rule: Eat healthier foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains 80 percent of the time. And enjoy your favorite treats the other 20 percent of the time.

If you eat too much, cut yourself some slack and tell them to make healthier choices the next day. Remember: too much sugar and processed food can negatively impact your motivation, energy and mood. So enjoy it in moderation.

Prioritize sleep.

It’s all too easy to burn the candle at both ends during the holidays and sacrifice sleep to get through those endless to-do lists. But getting enough rest is essential, especially in these busy times.

Good sleep sharpens your focus, improves your mood and strengthens your immune system. Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of several health problems, which is the last thing you need during the holidays.

So take care yourself this holiday season and give yourself the gift of a good night’s sleep. Try to stick to a regular schedule as much as possible.

Set reasonable expectations.

We all want the holidays to be special. But often our idea of a perfect vacation is more myth than reality.

It is important to set realistic expectations. Remember: there is no such thing as perfect. So instead, embrace the beauty of an authentic, “good enough” vacation. It’s about the joy and the connection, not about flawless execution.

By letting go of the search for the perfect party, you open the door to truly enjoyable experiences. You may discover that this approach brings you more happiness and peace than any carefully planned event ever could.

Slow down.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Instead of multitasking, try to fully immerse yourself in each activity as you do it. This mindfulness can significantly alleviate feelings of stress and overwhelm.

Take deep breaths as you practice mindfulness. Stress often leads to shallow breathing, which limits oxygen to the brain. Deep breathing calms the nervous system, reduces stress and may give you clearer insight.

In addition to immediate relief, mindfulness offers long-term benefits, including reduced anxiety and depression and a more manageable stress response.

Make a gratitude list.

Another great way to take care of yourself during the holidays is to practice gratitude. Take a moment each evening to write down a few things you are grateful for (big and small) on a piece of paper.

Practicing gratitude not only relieves immediate stress, but also improves sleep, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens mental resilience.

Numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects of gratitude, showing that those who practice it regularly are happier, sleep better and may even live longer.

Set boundaries.

It can be tempting to overexert yourself this time of year and accept every invitation and request. While it’s great to embrace the activities and events that mean the most to you, it’s just as important to be kind to yourself.

So know your own limits and respect them. Say “yes” to the events and requests that really matter to you, and don’t hesitate to say no to the rest. And don’t forget to take some personal time to recharge.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from colds and flu.

“As we enter this cold and flu season, it is so important to practice self-care,” says Dr. Ian Smith, MD, best-selling author and host of the show The Doctors.

“Important preventive measures, such as washing your hands often and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbows when you cough or sneeze, can be extremely effective in preventing the spread of germs,” adds Dr. Smith.

Here are some additional tips to keep you and your loved ones healthy this season:

Practice hand hygiene on the go. Keep hand sanitizer with you for times when soap and water are not available.
Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is crucial for a healthy immune system and supports recovery if you do have a cold.
Rest and recovery. If you get sick, give yourself permission to rest. Persevering can delay your recovery and increase the risk of spreading germs.
Discover natural remedies. Consider natural options such as honey and lemon tea for sore throats, ginger for its anti-inflammatory effects, and echinacea or vitamin C to boost your immune system.
Take measures to protect yourself and others. If you feel unwell or have been in close contact with someone who is unwell, it is best not to attend or organize any events. You can also opt for outdoor setups or well-ventilated indoor spaces.

Prioritizing self-care is crucial, especially during the busy holidays. Use these strategies to keep the holiday spirit alive while taking care of your most valuable asset: yourself. Here’s to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

References:

Regular exercise is associated with emotional resilience to acute stress in healthy adults

The role of physical activity on mental health and well-being: an overview – PMC

Deciphering the role of physical activity in stress management during a global pandemic in older adult populations: a systematic review protocol

A multifaceted approach to weight loss: a case report – PMC

Eating as a motivated behavior: modulatory effect of high-fat diets on energy homeostasis, reward processing, and neuroinflammation. – PMC

The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect and stress in healthy adults – PMC

Efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in preventing depressive relapse – PMC

Effects of gratitude intervention on employee mental health and well-being: a systematic review – PMC

Gratitude across the lifespan: age differences and links to subjective well-being – PMC

Self-care strategies to stay healthy this holiday season | News, sport, jobs – The Express

Protective effect of hand washing and good hygiene habits against seasonal influenza – PMC