I don’t know about you, but in my house, December may as well be renamed “the month of indulgence.” I eat everything in the name of “it’s only available during Christmas” or “I worked hard all year I deserved this” or “I will start over in January” and before I know it, I feel tired, sluggish, puffy, and heavier than usual.
I believe it is important to find balance during the holidays so you don’t end December feeling frustrated, guilt and defeated. So what can you do? Here are five tips that have helped me survive December:
Don’t make any one food “off limits”
In my experience, when you make a food “off limits” it makes you want it that much more, and if/when you do happen to get your hands on it, you are very likely to binge and eat way more of said food than if you would have allowed yourself to eat it in the first place.
Write workouts into your schedule
This is a good year round practice, but it is even more imperative during the holidays when Christmas party’s, school plays, and Christmas shopping demand your time. Do not let your workout be the first thing to go. Stay strong and you will feel better physically and feel better ABOUT yourself.
Make time to enjoy yourself and your loved ones
I don’t mean stressful Christmas day with 35 of your closest family members. I mean take some time to chill by the fire and the Christmas tree, reading books to your kids, or watching Home Alone, or baking cookies with your spouse while you listen to Christmas music. Something relaxing and enjoyable, you deserve it!
Get in the “good stuff”
It’s tempting to ONLY eat junk during the holidays especially if it’s free. I don’t know about you, but I jump at free food all the time even if it’s unhealthy. Why do we do this? Please tell me I’m not the only one. The worst was Christmas time when I was a teacher. Baked good in the teachers lounge every. single. day. It’s ok to indulge, but balance it out with some veggies, fruit, etc. you know, the REAL food!
Remember to do what’s best for your family
Just because grandma makes five pies and aunt Linda gives three gifts to each child does NOT mean you have to follow suit or keep pace with anyone. It’s Christmas! It’s a season of love, joy, and hope. Start your own traditions, drop ones you feel obligated to do but don’t like. It’s NOT worth you losing your mind to have the most beautiful wrapping paper or the most lights on you house if you sacrifice your sanity.
QOTD: What is your best tip for achieving balance during the Holidays?
Balance???? Maybe in 2013…
some great tips. I do think that it’s important to try to maintain some sort of regular routine too.
Great tips! I definitely agree on not making anything off limits. that’s always dangerous for me.
Everything in moderation… including moderation! But in all seriousness, scheduling workouts has never been so important!
Just trying to be conscious of what I’m eating. There’s no way I’m going to make pie or cake off limits at this time of year but I should pay attention so I don’t give myself a stomach ache (or if I do, at least know where it came from).
Love the tips!
These are really fantastic tips. Today I posted part 3 of my 3 part series on reducing stress during the holidays, and I mentioned aspects of some of the things you have mentioned here. Thanks for posting these:)
oh I need to go check that out!
Great advice! I think getting sleep and having a little bit of quiet time is important to stay balanced.
I agree with not making anything off limits. I also think pick what you want and eat it, just don’t eat a ton of it! Also, don’t eat it just because, pick the things that you enjoy most. I am a 1st grade teacher and I sooooo agree that their is always tons of treats in teachers lounge. Today I got a box of cookies, a loaf of banana nut bread, a ziploc bag of no bake cookies, and a ziploc bag of “puppy chow.” It was our last day of school so the kids brougt me presents and most was food!!! I’m glad I have an obsession with running because that’s a lot of treats!