Holiday Parties
by Journey to Health Program Director, Becky Anderson
In the blink of an eye…
The short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas go by way too quickly. I’d like to start with the cheesy “Remember the reason for the season” because it is very true. Also, there are so many social gatherings this month that the burn out can be a real thing too.
When bopping from one gathering to the next, remember a few KEY survival tips:
- Get moving. Make sure you get your exercise in BEFORE you go to a holiday party. Chances are you won’t feel like it when you leave.
- Make moderation your mantra. Whether it’s with the food (often fried appetizers) or alcohol, try to be aware of your choices as well as the volume you’re consuming.
- Treat yourself. Take time to relax, go for a massage and/or pedicure. Do something for yourself because you deserve it!!
- Lose liquid calories. Wine, mixed drinks, eggnog, caramel lattes and hot chocolate can add hundreds of calories to your daily intake.
- Drink LOTS of water before, during and after your parties.
- Wash your hands often. Germs are plenty at holiday gatherings. Make sure to wash your hands frequently as well as carry some hand sanitizer. Keep the germs away so you don’t get sick and have to miss out on the events on your social calendar.
- Get plenty of sleep. A good night’s sleep can be one of the best defenses against getting sick. Try to stick to your normal bedtime and wake up times.
As always, the important thing is to enjoy yourself during the holidays. You WILL feel better if you get to the end of your party marathon without getting sick and without packing on extra pounds. If you “fall off the wellness wagon,” brush yourself off and get back on track as quickly as possible.
