YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Tips for Feeling Holiday Joy

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by Barb Cronin,

December is here and most of us are getting ready for the upcoming holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah or another festivity, this time of year can be both joyous and stressful for many.

Often the holidays pass us by in a whirlwind and we don’t really get to enjoy them as we would like to do. Rushing around  and eating on the go we become run down, stressed out and by the time January comes we are happy it’s all over.  If you want to find more joy and peace this holiday season while making lasting memories follow these simple tips.

YMCA of Greater BrandywineEat Healthy

Simply put, you are what you eat. What we choose to put into our bodies not only impacts our weight and health, it also plays a vital role in energy, focus, stress tolerance and emotional well-being. It pays to watch what you eat this time of year.  But that’s often easier said than done.

There’s no doubt about it, this can be the most challenging time of year to stay on a healthy eating course. As we rush from shopping to holiday parties we are left with little time to eat right. At least that’s how it often seems.  The temptation to grab food from a fast food restaurant or other establishment is high. During this time of year, it pays to plan ahead. If you pack your lunches or snacks, make sure to add in a few extra of the healthy items. When you reach for a snack or lunch at the office be sure to consume these foods first. If you do stop for fast food add something healthier to your order. Instead of a burger and fries, opt for a grilled chicken and salad. Substitute your normal soda for water instead.

When it comes to holiday parties and dinners there are a few good rules of thumb to keep in mind. First, try not to go to parties hungry. If possible eat a healthy and filling snack before you get there. Once at the party don’t hover near the food table. Put a few selections on a small plate and go to another spot in the room. This will lower your temptation to continue to snack on all the goodies.  It’s also a good rule to follow when you are having a sit down holiday meal, to wait for all the food to be out on the table before choosing. When you do choose, opt for healthy foods. If you just can’t pass up a favorite holiday dish, take a smaller portion.

If you are part of the menu planning for any event, suggest adding in a healthy side dish, like a winter salad, or a fruit plate for desert. Consider ways you can make traditional holiday foods but with a healthy twist or using healthier ingredients.

Keep Moving
YMCA of Greater Brandywine

If you’re normally active, try to keep with your exercise program during the holidays. You may have to make a few minor adjustments to stick to it, but it is well worth it. While you may find office parties, kid’s school celebrations and shopping trips cutting into your normal work out time, make the effort to exercise at other times. Wake up earlier; hit the gym after work and before shopping or parties to get in a workout. Consider breaking up your work out into smaller time periods. If you don’t have time for your normal hour or more work out, take 15 minute breaks periodically throughout the day. It’s also important to keep your motivation up by recognizing the exercise you are getting outside of your normal workout. Park further out in the mall parking lot and walk, take the steps instead of the elevator and give yourself credit for cleaning, walking the mall shopping and all the extra steps you are taking this time of year. Remember, every little bit helps you achieve optimal health and well-being.

Another way to stay active during the holidays is to make it a family affair. Encourage your family and friends to get moving with you. Take a break during the day’s festivities and go for a walk with others. Start a fun new tradition of playing a game during the day; kickball, football, basketball, dodge ball or any other easy to play game will get everyone moving and create memorable holiday moments.

If you don’t normally work out, this is the perfect time of year to get started. Many health clubs and YMCA’s offer membership incentives during this time of year. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is offering several great incentives if you join now. Visit www.ymcagbw.org to learn more.

Stay Stress-free

Today the holidays seem to be filled with stress for many, quite the opposite of what we want at the holidays. When you take the steps needed to reduce your stress levels, especially at this time of year, you’ll be happier and find more joy in the holiday season. Eating healthy and staying active are both vital to combat stress. It’s also important to recognize what is causing you the extra stress. Are you concerned about the expenses associated with the holidays and gift giving? It’s helpful to reduce the amount you are spending on people as well as how many you are buying gifts for this year. Another great approach is to make gifts rather than buy. This is especially good if you have children. This will not only reduce costs, it will also make the gifts more personalized and memorable for the gift giver and receiver.

If you are stressed out over hosting a holiday dinner, reach out to other family members for help. Adults can bring a dish or two and kids can come ahead of time and after the festivities to help set up and clean up. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you feel your stress is on the rise, take some extra steps to keep it down. Listen to music, get out in nature, meditate or get together with positive people in your life. Splurge on a massage for yourself, take a night off from the holiday rush to catch your breath, or simply go to a movie and decompress.

No matter what you choose to celebrate at the holidays, they are also a great time to for relax, bond and remember all the good times and joy from the year that has gone by.  When you take the simple steps like eating right, exercising and reducing stress, you will find the joy of the holiday season as it was meant to be.

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