11 Simple Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy This Holiday Season

Here are some quick tips to keep in the back of your mind and to put into place as you proceed with the happy holiday season.

1. Get plenty of sleep. This time of the year might be a busy one, which is all the more reason to get in a solid 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Your mind and body need 7-9 hours of sleep every day and all year long!
2. Drink at least half your weight (in ounces) in water every day. If you weigh 140 pounds, you should be guzzling down at least 70 ounces of water. Staying hydrated will not only give your skin a beautiful radiant glow, but it will also keep your energy levels up and your appetite in check. We often confuse hunger with thirst.
3. Drink a glass of water between each adult beverage that you have. This will help you ward off a wicked hangover in the morning. Hydration is key! Enjoy the bubbles and eggnog in moderation; it’s a long season.
4. Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals is not a wise way to try and keep off the pounds this season. When you skip meals, you are more likely to overeat later in the day or make poor food choices.
5. Snack wisely. Save your indulgences for those special meals and special treats. Stock your pantry and refrigerator with healthy snacks, like cut-up veggies, hummus, and fruit. It is also a good idea to throw some almonds or a granola bar in your bag so you aren’t tempted to snack on high calorie, high fat, high sugar, fast food type snacks when you are out and about.
6. Eat mindfully. When you do treat yourself to your holiday favorites, slow down and savor every bite, taste, smell, and texture.
7. Put your fork down. Between each bite, rest your fork on your plate while you mindfully chew. This will encourage you to slow down and also eat less because you will be giving yourself time to recognize that you are full instead of overdoing it and feeling stuffed.
8. Go to parties to celebrate and socialize, not pig out. If you are asked to bring a holiday dish, bring a healthy one. 
9. Stick to your regular exercise routine. Your health and wellness should always be a top priority and the holiday season isn’t the time to throw all of that out of the window. Continuing to exercise regularly will help keep your energy level and mood high, your stress level low, and your metabolism cranking away.
10. Realize that it’s okay to say no. You can say no to the extra slice of pie that is being pushed your way. You can say no to a holiday party. You can say no to a gift exchange. You can say no to anything you want. Oftentimes, we say yes to everything during the holiday season and then end up not being able to truly enjoy the things that are most important to us. Recognize your priorities and stick to them.
11. And lastly, enjoy every single moment. 

Thank you for sharing a smile with us this week!