It's that time of year....Holiday Season is upon us!

The holidays can be a total whirlwind, and while everyone is indulging in treats and skipping workouts, it’s easy to feel like your health is slipping away. It's said that 80% of people gain weight during the holidays as a result.  But what if I told you there's a simple way to stay on track without missing out on all the fun and avoid being apart of that statistic this year? 

The key to success is finding what works for you; we'll share the most effective tips that can lead to a healthier holiday experience. By following these strategies, you can enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your health. 

Tip 1 : Planning ahead is key! There are 168 hours in a week, so what we do the rest of the week versus one day matters for our health. Planning ahead can help not only relieve stress, it also helps to not overindulge when we have a game plan going into family functions, social events and holiday treats at work. Enjoy the festive treats, but pair them with healthier options. Load up on veggies and lean proteins at meals to manage cravings.  

Tip 2: Stay active! Embrace the season with fun activities. Go for a walk after dinner or get the family together for a game of football or ice skating! Movement is great way to combat stress and move the food we just consumed! Dance parties can be another fun way to get everyone involved and bring some fun to the holidays.  

Tip 3: Don’t forget hydration! More than 70% of Americans are dehydrated already. With all those rich foods, high sodium consumption and for those who consume alcohol we should be drinking plenty of water. It helps with digestion and keeps you feeling energized.  

Tip 4: Prioritize sleep! Our bodies are like a computer and need to reboot while we are sleeping. A well-rested body can better handle holiday indulgences. Aim for those 7 to 8 hours, and you’ll feel rejuvenated for all the festivities.  

Tip 5: Practice kindness and gratitude! Not only will these habits help improve your outlook on life, but those habits also add value to others' lives. When we start to notice the good in the world we start to experience more and feel better when we get to share that goodness with others. 

Remember the holidays are about joy and connection, not just food. Enjoy the season by keeping these health tips in mind. Let me know what you do to stay healthy during the Holiday season!

Thank you for reading the blog! Be sure to check out the video at the top of this page for a deeper dive into these 5 Holiday Health tips.

Looking for more support through the holiday season? Check out our Confident through the Holiday 3-step Holiday Resilience Course at https://www.euphonywithin.com/Confidentholidays.

Until Next time...... Remember you're not alone and while the sun may not be shining today or tomorrow, it will come out again.... see you next week!

Dara Specker HSMI, CWP, Owner of Euphony Within