This year we decided to start our holiday survival series a little early; Thanksgiving can be hard when you’re on a medical weight loss plan and the holiday party season will soon be starting. Thinnergy is here to help with our new and improved Holiday Survival series. So, take a deep breath and try these tips to make your holiday a little less stressful.
1) Don’t forget to exercise.
Even if it’s only 10 minutes morning and evening, don’t let exercise slip through the cracks. If nothing else, try to take the stairs instead of the elevator and park in the back of the lot.
2) Try to stay well rested.
No matter how jam-packed your schedule, rest is important. Stress and fatigue can add pressures to an already pressure filled season. Studies have also found that sleep deprivation reduces inhibitions (almost as much as drinking) and makes us prone to over eating.
3) “Banking” calories is bad news.
It may be tempting to “bank” calories during the day if you’re heading for a party in the evening. In reality, it can lead to over-indulgences and compensatory eating.
4) Don’t let travel derail you.
Try to plan ahead when you travel and don’t let yourself over-indulge just because you’re away from home.
5) Make a plan and stick to it.
Usually, you see your holiday commitments coming and that gives you an opportunity to plan ahead. Plan for the week and plan for the party. If you know you have a few commitments in a week, add in another workout or try to stay in the rest of the week.
6) Practice mindfulness.
Stressful situations can lead to less than perfect decision making. A few minutes and a few deep breaths can have a profoundly beneficial effect for your mood and your stress levels. Check out this article for some great apps to help you practice mindfulness every day.
7) Don’t give up.
If you fall off the wagon, don’t beat yourself up an definitely don’t give up. One day of overindulgence doesn’t mean you should go off the deep end. If you do over do it, take a deep breath, make a new plan and get back on track.
Stay tuned for additional installments in the Holiday Survival Series!