Mainstream Living

Tip of the Month

The holidays can be a hectic time for many people. Your December likely includes more celebrations, plenty of cookies and treats, and preparing for friends and family to visit. It's an exciting time, but can also be very stressful. Here are some tips to help when you may feel overwhelmed during the holiday season.

1. Don’t try to lose weight; just focus on maintaining your weight. There is so much to indulge on during the holidays and beating yourself up about eating will just make you feel worse. Try to stick to the 80/20 rule – eat healthy 80% of the time and indulge 20%.  Bring a healthy dish to a party so there is a ‘safe’ item to snack on.

2. Save yourself a quiet place or take a couple of minutes when feeling overwhelmed. Taking even a few moments to yourself can help calm you down. If you are having a difficult conversation with family or a friend, take a break and walk away. Return when you feel more composed and can respond appropriately.

3. Try to stick to your regular routine. Maintain most of your regular habits such as eating a normal breakfast, sticking with your exercise plans, and getting a good night’s rest. These simple things will help keep you feeling healthy and energized.

4. Don’t try to achieve perfection, just do your best. It is easy to focus on all the small things that can go wrong. Instead, be forgiving of yourself and others. No one is perfect. Remember that it is ok to say no and to ask for help when you need it.

Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Remind yourself that the holidays are celebrations, and there is nothing wrong with being happy, thankful, and grateful.

© 2024 Mainstream Living, Inc.