As December continues to pass us, so do the holidays. For many of us, the holidays are a source of joy, but that’s not to say this time of year doesn’t come with drawbacks. Stress from gift shopping and family gatherings, an overindulgence of high-calorie foods, and seasonal illnesses are unfortunately extremely common obstacles we face during this time of year that can have damaging effects on our well-being. Luckily, there are a couple of healthy choices we can make during this time of year to set us up for success, from using a home infrared sauna to eating well. Here are some of the best tips you can use to prioritize your mental and physical health this holiday season. 

1) Plan an exercise schedule 

Exercising during the winter isn’t very appealing thanks to the cold weather making us feel a bit lazier and holiday festivities adding more weight to our busy lives. However, it’s something that should be done, as exercising can boost your immune system, encourage deeper sleep, better your mental health, and keep you physically fit. Creating an exercise schedule that takes into account your agenda is a great way to ensure that you have enough time to break a sweat. As for busting the winter laziness, make sure you only include workouts that you enjoy so you’ll be more incentivized to get up and move! 

2) Moderate your food intake 

Wintertime is riddled with activities and parties that revolve around rich and heavy foods. While you most definitely deserve to take part in all the yummy goodness, over-indulgence can upset our bodies if done excessively. The best way to avoid this is to moderate your food intake. That is, allow yourself to eat whatever you want, but do so in smaller portions. This helps to make sure you’re not over-eating while still letting yourself to eat all the amazing treats the holidays have to offer! 

3) Eat healthy at home 

Since good food is such an important part of the holiday season, most of us are probably guilty of skimping on the more nutritious part of our diets, like leafy greens, fresh fruit, and whole grains. However, maintaining a balanced diet is important! It provides us with mental clarity, strengthens our immune system, and keeps us fit. Make sure you’re getting in all your servings of fruits and vegetables that your Christmas parties are lacking by making healthier meals for yourself at home. 

4) Use your home infrared sauna

Using a home infrared sauna is a great way to keep your body and mind in tip-top shape during the holidays. Infrared saunas can provide many health benefits, including decreased stress and anxiety, weight loss, detoxification of toxins, and increased relaxation, all of which are probably things you could use a little more of during this hectic time of year! And as an added bonus for those who hate the cold, the warmth of the sauna may be a lovely change of pace compared to the chillier outside temperatures the winter brings. 

5) Be aware that it’s cold and flu season

Winter is unfortunately the prime time to catch a seasonal bug. Lower your risk of getting sick by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, getting enough rest, staying hydrated, exercising, and eating nutritious foods. The goal here is to strengthen your immune system and to keep germs away from you. In case you do get sick, make sure you’re stocked up on medicine beforehand so you can get better faster! 

6) Make time for yourself

The holidays are stressful, and all too often we can get caught up in commitments we made to other people instead of focusing on ourselves. This can lead to poor mental health, stress, and feeling burned out. Try to prioritize your needs with a little self-care this holiday season by scheduling some time that’s just for you to do something you love, whether it be meditating, journaling, or taking a bath. 

This is the season of giving, so remember to give yourself the gift of self-care and health by taking these extra steps to care for your body and mind. Listen to yourself for any signs of exhaustion, whether it be mental or physical, so you can take action to keep feeling like your best self. You deserve it!