Holiday Stress

The Ins & Outs of getting through the holidays!

1. Plan Ahead

Have a lot of things you need to get done in one day? If you can, space out your tasks and schedule things accordingly, so that you are not overwhelmed. Planning ahead can help you stay on top of things and alleviates stress when you can cross them off of your list!

What about food?

Don’t know when you’ll have a chance to eat? Pack small little snacks into your purse or car so that if you’re running behind or stuck in traffic, you won’t be hangry for when you get home, and won’t eat the entire fridge!

2. Holiday Party coming up?

Are you required to bring anything? If so, bring something that you like whether a healthy dish or a healthy dessert so that one dish is something you are aware of especially if you have any intolerances or food allergies! There’s nothing worse than not being able to enjoy a party when you can’t experience the food!

What about someone else’s opinion?

If someone is giving you a hard time about not eating a certain food whether this is by choice or need, simply reply, “I’m alright thank you”. It’s a kind way of getting them off your back without having to go into full detail of why you won’t be eating something.

3. Give back

The simple kind actions that you do can actually help your health! Remember health is mental, physical and emotional, and simple acts of kindness can go a long way!

This can be as simple as baking cookies for your neighbor, volunteering, or even paying ahead for someone’s coffee in a drive-thru line. The list is never ending!

4. Take care of yourself

With all the running around sometimes you get lost in taking care of yourself. This means do what you would normally do on a regular basis or adjust according to your schedule. Maybe you won’t be able to workout or exercise for an hour today, but rather 45min. that’s okay! The fact that you are still moving is what’s important.

Aim to get enough sleep. Who doesn’t love Christmas movies on Hallmark during this time of the year? However, if you’re feeling tired don’t push the movie night, rather go to bed on time so that you can feel refreshed the next morning.

Although Christmas cookies and treats are filled with stores, work environments or your home, try sticking with your eating plan. Of course there will be some off path meals but having a healthy meal will help you stay overall healthy, and filled with energy!

5. Don’t be afraid of trying something new

Whether this is between making sure all the old traditions are the same and being stressed and anxious of how they’ll turn out, try something new! The change can shine a new light on things and may even turn out better in the end!

As for food

The holidays only come once a year and taking the opportunity to try something new is never a bad idea! You never know, you may just like it! If it’s a dessert that you think is “off limits” remember to be mindful. If it looks inviting and you find yourself thinking about it, then try it! Its not something that you eat everyday and you’re not going to hinder your progress by trying something new!

Overall, learn to enjoy the holidays! Although they can be stressful with a million and one things going on everyday at home, work or with the kids, stay positive! It’s not the end of the world when the holidays come! This optimistic outlook can help you cope with any challenges that you may face. Be grateful, laugh and enjoy the time spend with others!

Help yourself stay aware of what you eat with YouAte! You’ll enjoy looking back on what you ate and the memories associated with them!