Make some time for shut-eye
When stress and anxiety mount during the festive season, it can be hard to fall or stay asleep. But good quality shut-eye can calm frazzled nerves. After the year we've had, using this little break as an opportunity to promote recovery is a great idea.
Put your worries out of your mind before you climb into bed. At least an hour before bed:
• Make a list of any worries or concerns
• Write down the tasks that you’re worried will go undone
• Put the list in a safe place until morning
Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night for good physical and mental health.
Go easy on the alcohol. Sure, a drink might help you "unwind", but be aware it can also disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling foggy and fatigued the following day.
Christmas weight gain is rarely lost
Researchers have identified that weight gained over the holiday period is rarely lost. According to a 2016 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American's weight increases by 0.4 percent over Christmas and 0.2 percent over Thanksgiving, with the majority of the weight gain occurring in the 10 days following Christmas.
Make the most of a "different" Christmas
For most, holiday gatherings will be limited or non-existent this year. Use that as a good excuse not to over-indulge and instead use this holiday season as a period for quiet, healthy recovery. Be grateful for the extra time with your family and make the most of the time-saved from less traveling or socializing.
Healthy Christmas eating tips
The festive season is a time for celebrating - particularly after this year! However, totally disregarding good nutrition can negatively impact your health and leave you feeling exhausted and run-down. The holidays should be used for rejuvenation, not to feel more worn-out! If you are attending any holiday gatherings this year, or just if you are celebrating at home, keep these simple tips in mind to stay healthy during the festive season:
• Avoid going to parties hungry. Before the party eat something light. Think apple, yogurt, or wholegrain sandwich.
• Don’t try to lose weight over the Christmas season. Instead, aim to maintain your current weight.
• Watch your portion sizes. If your willpower is weak and you know you will want to finish everything in front of you, use an entrée plate instead of a dinner plate. That way you are sure to eat less.
• Mainly fill up with healthier whole-foods (like vegetables, fruit, legumes, and wholegrains), and just enjoy smaller portions of your favorite couple of treats or sides.
• Watch what you drink. Mixer and alcoholic drinks can have a lot of calories that don't provide you much benefit. So keep tabs on how much you are drinking and be aware of the extra calories.
Keep on moving
Currently, there is no other ‘medicine’ with greater benefits for the body than physical exercise. This party season, balance any indulgences with some physical activity. Try to exercise in the morning, before gatherings start, so you can relax and enjoy the day. If you're ready to help your team start 2021 in the healthiest way possible, send us a message and we'd love to talk. We have a wide range of online and on-site programs, workshops, and services available to help you and your team have your healthiest and most productive year yet.
From all of us at HBD, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.