By Dr. Teresa Alasio
The holiday season is a time of celebration, connection, and indulgence. From festive parties to decadent meals, it’s easy to get swept up in the abundance of the season. In the mêlée of gatherings, festivities and holiday travel, it is easy to loosen the standards that we hold ourselves to during the rest of the year. However, a mindful approach to health and wellness during holiday times can set you up for success as the new year approaches. Below you will find a few simple practical tips to help you enjoy the season while staying healthy and balanced. By following just a couple of these, you may find yourself going into 2025 a little easier and with much less regret.
1. Practice Moderation with Alcohol
Holiday gatherings often include seasonal cocktails, champagne toasts, or a glass of mulled wine. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a drink or two, being mindful of your alcohol consumption is crucial. Excessive drinking can lead to poor sleep, dehydration, and overindulgence in unhealthy snacks.
Pro Tip: Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or sparkling water to stay hydrated and reduce overall alcohol intake. Opt for lower-calorie options like vodka with soda water or wine spritzers if you’re watching your calorie count.
2. Prioritize Sleep
The excitement of holiday preparations can often lead to late nights wrapping gifts, baking cookies, or attending parties. However, sleep is the foundation of good health, affecting everything from your immune system to your mood.
Pro Tip: Keep to your bedtime routine, even during the holidays. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and try to limit screen time before bed to ensure restful sleep. You’ll feel more energized and better equipped to enjoy the festivities.
3. Be Selective with Your Social Calendar
The holiday season often brings a flurry of invitations, but saying “yes” to every event can lead to burnout. Overcommitting can also make it harder to maintain healthy habits like meal prep, exercise, or adequate rest.
Pro Tip: Choose quality over quantity. Attend the events that bring you joy and align with your priorities. It’s okay to politely decline an invitation and use that time to recharge or spend a quiet evening with loved ones.
4. Focus on Quality Over Quantity in Food Choices
Holiday meals are often laden with rich, indulgent dishes. Instead of trying to sample everything on the buffet, focus on savoring the foods you truly love.
Pro Tip: Fill your plate with a mix of vegetables, lean proteins, and smaller portions of your favorite indulgent treats. Eat slowly and mindfully, paying attention to your hunger cues. This way, you’ll enjoy the flavors of the season without overindulging.
5. Maintain Your Exercise Routine
With jam-packed schedules, it’s tempting to skip workouts during the holidays. However, staying active can help manage stress, boost energy levels, and offset some of the extra calories consumed during the season.
Pro Tip: Prioritize short, effective workouts if you’re pressed for time. A 20-minute brisk walk, a quick yoga session, or a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout can make a big difference. Exercise doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective.
6. Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for navigating the holiday season. It can help you stay present, manage stress, and make intentional choices about how you spend your time and energy.
Pro Tip: Practice mindfulness during meals by focusing on the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. When engaging in holiday traditions or gatherings, take a moment to appreciate the company and the spirit of the season. Even a few minutes of daily meditation can help center your mind and reduce holiday stress.
7. Allow Yourself to Indulge, but Set Limits
The holidays are not the time to deny yourself your favorite treats or traditions. It’s okay to indulge, but doing so mindfully ensures you won’t feel the post-holiday regret.
Pro Tip: If you’re craving a sweet treat, serve yourself a reasonable portion and truly savor it. By giving yourself permission to indulge without guilt, you’ll avoid the urge to binge and maintain a healthier relationship with food.
8. Stay Hydrated
Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget the simplest health tip: drinking water. Proper hydration can aid digestion, improve energy levels, and even help manage hunger.
Pro Tip: Keep a reusable water bottle with you and sip throughout the day. For a festive twist, add a slice of citrus, fresh mint, or a handful of cranberries to your water.
9. Plan Ahead
Whether it’s meal planning, scheduling workouts, or carving out time for rest, a little forethought can go a long way in helping you stay on track.
Pro Tip: If you’re attending a potluck, bring a healthy dish that you’ll enjoy and feel good about eating. If your day is packed with events, schedule time for a morning workout or a brief afternoon walk.
10. Reflect on What Matters Most
The holidays can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of to-do lists and obligations. Taking a step back to reflect on what truly matters—whether it’s family, friends, or creating cherished memories—can help reduce stress and refocus your energy.
Pro Tip: Start a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the positive moments and experiences that make the season special. This practice can help you stay grounded and foster a sense of contentment.
Final Thoughts
Staying healthy during the holiday season doesn’t mean depriving yourself of fun or indulgence. Instead, it’s about finding a balance that allows you to enjoy the festivities while setting yourself up for a successful and energized start to the new year. By embracing mindfulness, moderation, and self-care, you can navigate the season with confidence, joy, and well-being. Cheers to a happy, healthy holiday season!
The information contained in this article is meant for education purposes and not as a substitute for medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult with your medical provider.
Dr. Teresa Alasio is the owner and Medical Director of Intentional Self Aesthetics, located in downtown New Canaan. She lives in New Canaan with her family.
