Tips for a Happy & Healthy Silly Season
December is here! And the silly season is about to really begin. The silly season is supposed to be a fun time, filled with loved ones, laughter, good food and celebrations. However, it is also a busy, sometimes stressful and overwhelming time.
Here are some tips to make sure you are looking after yourself, enjoying and still feeling good during this season.
1.Make yourself a priority
Make yourself a priority, do something each day for you. Make the time to do something that makes you feel good and re-energises you in this busy time.
Make a list of all the little things you can do to make you feel good and simply choose to consciously continue to include these in your days. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busy fun time and neglect the simple little things that we can do to feel good and give us the energy to continue to have fun and be a part of everything we want to do.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
It sounds so simple! And it is! But remember to keep hydrated. Start each day with a big glass of water and aim to keep up hydration throughout the day. Take a reusable bottle with you can be a great habit to get into.
This is particularly important when having a few alcoholic beverages. Try also having glasses of water in between. Trust me it will make all the difference in how you feel later on and the next day.
3. Mindfully eat and plate your food.
Allow yourself to enjoy and celebrate with good food and all the tasty treats this time of year brings. But also remember to eat those mindfully and let yourself tune into hunger and fullness cues.
Another great way to plate your food more mindfully when eating from a help yourself spread or BBQ - is to think of the healthy plate model (image below).
Choose to fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables (e.g. leafy greens, salads, eggplant, beans, broccoli, etc)
a quarter with protein (e.g. meat, fish, eggs, tofu, beans, etc.)
and the last quarter with complex carbohydrates (e.g. rice, quinoa, potatoes, kumara, whole gain pasta and breads, etc)
plus adding a small about of healthy fats (e.g. avocado, nuts, seeds, tahini, hummus, olive oil, etc)
This way you will ensure you are still eating a well balanced nourishing meal without going over boards in one area.
4. Keep up your feel good daily habits and routines
Consciously continue to include your positive and feel good daily habits and routines you have. You don’t suddenly stop doing something like brushing your teeth so why stop any of the other positive things you usually include in your days. Consistent small habits will make a big difference.
5. Any movement is good - focus on an active lifestyle.
You don’t have to try and fit in a workout everyday in order to be healthy this silly season or burn off the extra celebrations. Instead focus on getting movement when you can and living an active lifestyle.
This can look like, catching up with friends for a walk or adventure, swimming, playing games or summer sport, walking to dinner or coffee, taking the stairs, or trying something new. If you feel motivated to workout then fantastic, go for it! But don’t be hard on yourself if it's not a top priority in this season. Any movement is better than nothing!
6. Don’t forget to listen to your body
Listen to your body when it needs rest, extra nutrition or movement. It knows best - what and when it needs certain things. So take the time to check in with yourself and how you are feeling both mentally and physically.
7. Manage stress - without food
It’s a busy season with plenty of social, work and celebration commitments and this can be stressful. Have a think on ways you can manage your stress without reaching for the sweets or overeating at your next meal.
For example, take 5-10 minutes to yourself, spend some time reading, take a walk, journal, call a friend to catch up, stretch out your body or lay in the sun.
8. Remember one less healthy choice isn’t going to ruin everything
This one I think is really important! Having one less healthy meal, treat or even day of eating is NOT going to ruin your progress and overall health. It doesn’t need to affect your next meal, make you feel guilty or lead to you punishing yourself. Enjoy it and move on.
It’s the choices you make consistently that will count, not the one offs or occasional treats.
9. Don’t be hard on yourself and enjoy it
There is no perfect way to eat, move or live and each and every person is different. So don't be hard on yourself if you are still figuring out what is best for you. This should be a fun, happy and enjoyable time of year catching up and celebrating with friends and family.
Try not to overthink things and go with the flow a little. I know this can be easier said than done but challenge yourself to let go a little and even challenge those food fears or rules holding you back. Seek support if you need it.
10. Try not to use the impending New Year as an excuse to ditch all the good
And finally, with the New Year approaching it’s easy to start thinking about those new year's resolutions that you will start come January. But don’t ditch all the good things you are already doing but saying you will start again in the new year! Why not start the year off already in a great place!
If this is a time that you struggle with and have found these tips useful be sure to register for my upcoming masterclass - Healthy Holidays!
A masterclass for the women ready to feel at ease and empowered around food and eating behaviours this silly season.
During the 60 minutes you will learn actionable tips and tools to help take the stress and worry about eating and food choices during the busy holiday period, so you can truely enjoy the celebrations and time off.
Enter 2023 feeling in control and not like you have to start from scratch or have a big reset to get back on track!
Any questions feel free to email - harriet@harrietwell.com or message me on instagram @harriet_well