Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s these are supposed to be times of celebration, togetherness, and happiness. Yet, they can bring challenges to our physical and emotional health. Here are 6 tips I’ll be applying for staying healthy during the holidays.

#1. Eat well. It’s common to pack on 5-10 pounds during the holiday season, but there are ways you can eat both healthy and well!  Know which foods are high in caloric content and low in nutrition. Don’t deprive yourself of such treats, but indulge in moderation. Eat smaller meals instead of “saving yourself” for one huge buffet. Opt for healthy options at home, and when visiting others, bring a healthy dish to share. Be careful of liquid calories, including alcoholic beverages.

#2. Stay active. Exercise is just as important during the holidays as any other time of the year. You should be active at least four to five times a week, preferably with some aerobic exercise every day. The weather may be cold outside, but there are plenty of options to do indoors.  I love my at home workouts, they give me a daily schedule to follow, a nutrition guide to help with eating well, and I have an online community of other women doing them with me in their own living rooms.  To join us click here to check out what programs I have to offer.

#3. Prevent illness and injuries. Colds and the flu are most common in the winter. Prevent them by washing your hands regularly and urging others to do the same. Stay warm by dressing in layers. I truly do believe eating well, and staying active build and keep your immune system high. I work with sick people every day and seem to stay healthy during the holidays.

#4. De-stress. Holidays can be a stressful time. Mentally and physically we stress over the holidays.  So staying healthy during the holidays is important and eating well and staying active can help you de-stress and enjoy them.  Also, You may be working, and feel the stress of managing your work duties along with additional commitments to your friends and family. You may feel the financial stress of gifts as well.   My health and fitness business reassures me that we will have the extra cash to do gifts and not stress. Don’t feel guilty; you have to take care of yourself before you can take of others. You should be your number 1 priority.

#5. Help others. Depression increase during the holidays.  Working in a hospital pharmacy we see an increase of mental health issues come through during the holiday season.  Watch for signs of depression among your friends and family. Reach a hand out and be sure to support them in any way you can. Eating well, and being active it what keeps my depression and anxiety down.  It has been something I’ve dealt with my entire life.  Finding what helps me cope has been amazing.  Also I am helping other women do the same through my online support groups.  It truly is amazing reaching a hand out and helping someone overcome those obstacles.

#6. Treat yourself. The holiday spirit is about helping others around you, but you also have to make time to take care of yourself. So treat yourself with something over the holidays. It may be something as simple as sleep. Wake up late and enjoy a day of rest; you need it. How about reading that book you’ve been meaning to for a long time, or getting a manicure or massage? Take the time to do the things that make you happy.

I hope these tips have been helpful! Do you have other tips to share? I am always looking for new ideas on staying healthy during the holidays.

XOXO Kylee