5 Simple Rituals to Help you Stay on Track during the Holiday Season
by Cascade Ice on November 22, 2022
If the holiday season went exactly like the Christmas carols we sing every year, the season would be like a scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life” – filled with happy, peaceful people soaking up every minute. But we’re human beings (not robots), so the holiday season often comes with stress and the pressure to do it all, and get it all done. If we don’t practice healthy rituals each day, we risk burning out and feeling overwhelmed, which can wreak havoc on both our mental and physical health. Here are some tips we’ve assembled to help you stay healthy through the new year that are easy to remember and adopt.
Get rid of the “I can’t have that” mentality
With the holidays comes delicious and sometimes unhealthy food and drinks. Of course, some foods have more nutritional value than others, but partaking in some of the most wonderful foods of the holiday season will not derail your entire lifestyle. Just make sure you keep it in balance. Permit yourself to have some indulgent foods and stop when you’re satisfied. Keep the balance by making healthy choices using the 80/20 rule – 80 percent of the time, choose good-for-you options, and 20 percent of the time, choose things you simply want to eat. This will lead to fewer binges and subsequent guilt.
Move your body
It’s colder and darker outside, which instinctually causes us to want to stay indoors. Instead of seeing exercise as checking a chore off your to-do list, simply prioritize movement during the holiday season. It can be walking the dog around the neighborhood, taking a hot yoga class, or taking an online workout or stretching class. If you’re getting some type of movement done each day, don’t beat yourself up about toning down your regular workout routine in favor of activities that fit easily within your busy holiday schedule. Meditation is also a great tool to help calm the mind and body if you feel like stress is taking hold!
Prioritize yourself
The holiday season doesn’t have to look like what people expect it to be – busy, rushed, and crowded. While you can honor family traditions, you can also make yourself a priority by devoting time to be alone. Whether that’s taking a bath before bed, or saying “No” to a social commitment, you’ll be impressed by how this simple ritual of prioritizing your time will save you from the type of stress that has you wishing the holiday season will hurry up and end!
Cut back on booze
For many people during the holiday season, alcohol can quickly become a way to manage stress, which can lead to long-term unhealthy habits throughout the year. If you are consuming alcohol this holiday season, be mindful of your consumption and practice moderation by having just 1 or 2 drinks. Always plan ahead if you’re attending a social function to make sure you don’t overconsume, and if you’re hosting a party, make sure to offer some alcohol-free options to guests – we have so many great low-calorie, low-sugar mocktail options using Cascade Ice Sparkling Water so you don’t have to feel left out and you can still stay on track with your goals.
Focus on your sleep habits
Stress and sleep are intertwined. Too little (or interrupted) sleep often leads to feelings of stress, and alternatively, stress can impede quality sleep. So, what can you do? Try not to fall into the trap of staying up too late and make a habit of cutting off electronics and starting bedtime rituals about an hour before you go to sleep. Consider journaling to keep track of your worries, which will help keep your mind from racing when you should be snoozing. There are lots of apps and settings on our smartphones that can help you block out the noise of social commitments and social media, so take advantage of them during the crazy holiday season and watch your sleep (and mood) improve!
How do you stay healthy and on track during the busy, stressful holiday season? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
