It’s that time of year again. Holiday Season. Family, Parties and…fun??? This season can bring stress like no other! Staying mentally healthy is just as important, if not more so, than staying on track with healthy eating this season. Let’s take a few minutes to map out a strategy to stay focused on your goals, relaxed and hopefully stress free.

The 5 tips listed below should put you well on your way to thrive this holiday season.

1. Schedule Some Time for Yourself
Stress can be a big factor over the holidays. This is so very important all year long! Don’t let it go during one of the most stressful seasons all year. Make plans to go to a Hot Yoga class, or schedule a massage, or even just go see a movie all by yourself. Even setting aside time to breathe- aka meditate- for 15 minutes will lower your stress level. The more stress free you can be the easier it will be to stay on track.

2. Workout
Don’t skip out on this! We know time feels limited but this is definitely the time to ramp things up. Think of how much better you feel after spending even just 20 minutes walking or at the gym! Even just doing a simple at home circuit for 10-15 minutes can make all the difference! Or get outside and go for a run. Wake up 10 minutes earlier if needed. Keep it simple, keep it fast, but keep it up!

3. Let Go of Perfectionism
Let go of any expectations for the holiday season and family gatherings. The same goes for decorating and buying that perfect gift for everyone. Don’t forget what the holiday season is about. We want to count our blessings and spend time with loved ones. Gratitude. If you have let your gratitude journal go, now is the time to pick it back up. Every day. Remember what you are grateful for and let go of any unnecessary expectations. Don’t say “yes” when you really mean “no”. Remember, you cannot please everyone, nor should you have to!

4. Don’t Continue Doing Things That Have Created Major Stress During Past Holidays
If you are too overwhelmed to host, don’t! Discuss other possibilities; reach out and ask for help. Also, there is nothing wrong with breaking tradition…or finding new traditions. Keep in mind that if this means distancing yourself from toxic family members, you are 100% within your rights to do so.

5. Say No!
There’s nothing wrong with stopping the train of over-commitment. Say yes to the things that really bring you joy. If that doesn’t include attending the holiday work party, remember that’s ok! If you’d rather stay home with your family and watch The Grinch, do it, and do so unapologetically. The only person in control of your time is YOU, and managing time means managing stress, which means managing your health.

Make sure you check back in to see some of our well-reviewed Healthy Holiday Recipes. We’ve got a little something sweet, a little something savory, and a little something for those who like to get fancy!

A Guide to Surviving the Holidays (Part 2)