Is anyone else excited that Christmas is actually next week? 😀 The older I get the more it gets here faster and faster. I love looking at all the decorations and preparing to attend multiple holiday parties and get-togethers for friends however it can also be a lot of pressure to try and stay healthy too.

 Over the years I’ve managed to stand by a few simple tips to help me. If you’re struggling this time of year, I sincerely hope these tips are useful to you. 

Tip #1: Sleep

During the holiday season your sleep schedule changes a lot because of all the Christmas parties and spending time with family. I get it!  But sleep is so important for your health. Try to maintain at least 7-8 hours each night. Lack of sleep can cause lots of symptoms that you don’t want to ruin your holiday fun.  About a half hour before it time for my children bedtime we start our bedtime routine. We use this quiet time to wind down from the day with a warm bath and fresh pajamas.  Then we read books, talk about our highs and lows of our day and turn out the lights. This really helps them feel good about themselves at the end of the day and encourages them to sleep without feeling restless. 

Tip #2: Hydration

It’s so easy to forget to drink enough water during this time. There are so many delicious holiday drinks and alcoholic beverages to indulge in. I find it easy to make sure I’m drinking enough water by taking my water bottle with me or grabbing a water bottle while I’m out. Drinking enough water will also help you stay full longer so that you won’t overeat! Sometimes my husband and I will fill up an entire mason of all the water we need to drink for the day and make we finish it before we go to be.  Starting this competition not only helped me stay on track but also encouraged me to keep up with my water intake and make sure my husband was held accountable as well. 

Tip #3: Move your body

Don’t forget to exercise even if you have a super busy schedule. I know first hand about a packed schedule with work, holiday programs for the kids and Christmas party which could you possibly fit in a workout. Here’s a suggestion.  Bundle up and take the kids or husband out for an evening walk to see the Christmas lights around the neighborhood. If it is too cold, do a quick 10 minute workout video on YouTube. Whatever you decide to do just stay active! Believe me, you sleep better, eat better and just know overall you’re helping your body be the best it can be even in the colder months. 

Image: iMedX

Tip #4: Don’t Stress About Work

This can be easier said than done, especially if you’re a work-aholic like myself. If you’re thinking about how you need to stay on top or catch up with the new tasks that your career is throwing at you, make sure you plan ahead of trainings or webinars that are coming up so you’re not stressed about it.  A friend of mine started her new career in the medical transcription field and wanted to keep up to date with everything that was happening while she was on vacation. She shared a company that she’s been working with called iMedX which offers incredible services not only to help her attend webinars and trainings but also to feel confident and secure in her job. My friend has a lot of coding to learn and iMedX offers resourceful coding tips she can access even during the busy holiday season before and after her holiday party or trips. The friendly staff is always there to help answer questions, concerns or even how to become employed within their business. I know that my friend feels more secure having this company encourage and support her so she doesn’t need to be worried about the future during this busy time of year. 

Tip #5 Try To Avoid Overeating!

It’s very easy to overeat when the food is so delicious so I understand the pressure.  If you are worried you might overeat, eat before you leave home, so you won’t have such a large appetite when you are out. Another tip would be to stick with one plate. No matter how many parties you attend this season, only have one plate when you go! It’s a way to help avoid going back for seconds.

These are a few simple tips to stay healthy and the most important part, feel your best both inside and out during this busy time of year. Don’t over do it and know your limits when it comes to over exhausting yourself as well as staying on track with a goal weight or your mental self. Never apologize if it’s too much for you. Your health is essential and this includes your mental state as well. Surround yourself with those who encourage and lift you up and get ready for a fantastic new year ahead.

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