How to Stay on Track Through the Holidays

The Christmas season offers a great opportunity for fun, festivities, and family, but the holidays can also leave you feeling tired and worn out as you head into the New Year.  January 24th is considered the most depressing day of the year, but the entire month of January can be hard to get through if you're feeling low, sluggish, and burned out.
 
The following tips will help you stay on track throughout the holidays, so you can be at your best and truly enjoy the season—without crashing afterwards.

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Eat treats (and everything else) in moderation:
There's no reason why you can't relax and enjoy some special treats over the holidays.  The key is to focus on moderation.  Have something to eat before you head out to social gatherings, so you're not famished when you arrive.  Eat what you enjoy and savour every bite, but don't overeat.  And don't abandon the basics:  continue to make vegetables a large part of your meals, and snack on fruits in between meals. 


Get enough sleep:
Don't let a busy schedule lead to scrimping on sleep.  Physically, you'll feel tired and run-down.  Emotionally, you'll be more irritable and impatient.  The occasional late night might be unavoidable, but strive to establish and maintain a healthy sleep routine.  Decide on the time you need to turn into bed, and work backwards from there to plan your evening.

 
Make a workable budget and stick to it:
It's easy to overspend as you get caught up in holiday spirit, and you may even feel pressured to meet certain gift-giving standards.  Be honest with yourself about what you can and can't manage.  Come up with a budget that you feel good about and stick to it.  Keep in mind that some of the best gifts aren't necessarily the most expensive ones, but they're special because they're thoughtful, meaningful, and heartfelt.

Prioritize social events:
Are you feeling pressured due to a busy social calendar?  If you're having difficulty trying to fit everything in, make a point of prioritizing your social events.  If you can't attend someone's holiday dinner or Christmas party, make time for a meaningful chat by phone.  Or, arrange to connect in the New Year when things slow down.  You'll have something to look forward to, which will help chase away the January blues!
 
 
By taking a few simple steps to invest in your well-being throughout the Christmas holidays, you'll be heading into the New Year healthy, focused, and ready for whatever lies ahead.

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