OK, so over-indulging on one day won't completely torpedo your personal wellness plan. But if you let Thanksgiving be the doorway to a whole month of over indulgence? Well, that's a different story. So here's how to stay on track during the oh-so-tempting-I-just-want-one-more-piece-of-pie days between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.
Don't skip meals. You might think that skipping breakfast and lunch so that you can enjoy a big meal at two or three is the way to have your cake and eat it too, but this strategy won't do you any favors. You'll end up overeating, and for some this could be the gateway to thinking, "Well, I'm already being bad…guess I should just keep going and enjoy myself."
Instead, eat a healthful breakfast and lunch that includes protein since this will make you feel fuller, which will help as you decide what to put on your holiday plate. You'll be less ravenous and much less likely to go all out.
Allow yourself some treats. If you refuse yourself any decadence during the holiday season, you'll likely end up feeling resentful, which could lead to some unhealthy binges further down the road. So allow yourself a piece of pie or a mug of hot chocolate with real whipped cream. The key, as always, is about balance and moderation. For example, if you know you'll be enjoying a slice of pie for dessert, consider skipping the gravy and mashed potatoes and opting for the roasted squash instead.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. During the holiday season's hustle and bustle, it's easy to let certain things slide, like exercise. Don't let this happen to you. Yes, we know regular visits to the gym are bound to get disrupted, but there are other types of exercise you can do:
Get plenty of Zzzs. Just as you shouldn't forgo exercise, you also shouldn't forgo sleep. We know it's challenging to keep a regular schedule during the holiday season thanks to parties, travel, shopping, and family visits. But keep in mind that a lack of sleep on a regular basis, even during those four weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, can affect your blood pressure, cause brain fog, trigger mental health issues (such as depression), lead to accidents, and cause weight gain, among many other things.
Take a hard look at all the activities you have going on and try removing some from the calendar—learn to say no for your health and the health of your family. Decline offers by simply saying you'd love to accept the invite, but you're overextended.
Schedule down time. Down time is different from actual sleep. You need both. Down time is just that: quiet time where you can relax and unwind, perhaps with a cup of tea and book by the fire, writing in a journal, even meditating. Give your brain and body moments to recharge (avoid stimulating activities like video games or suspenseful movies). Make sure you (and especially the kids) have down time on the calendar (actually write it in so you're not tempted to overbook!).
Take deep breaths. As WebMD notes, "Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body." And who doesn't have added stress this time of year? So get in the habit of stopping whatever you're doing and taking some deep breaths to calm and center yourself. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.
How do you manage the craziness during this time of year? Share your tips in the comments.