The holidays can be a busy time, and allocating time for yourself may seem like a last priority. Between extended family reunions, gift shopping, work deadlines, and increased spending habits, the holidays can become a period of stress, rather than joy. To stay healthy and happy during the holiday season, here are some best practices to follow.

6 Ways to Stay Mindful of your Wellbeing During the Holidays

1. Get Active & Mindfully Eat.

Carve out time in your personal schedule to do one activity a day. This could be taking a 30 minute walk with a visiting friend or family or choosing to do in-person shopping to get moving; staying active will keep you happy. Make sure to find a balance throughout the holidays. There’s no need to count calories, but rather than reaching for that extra slice of pie, put an extra serving of greens on your plate. With all the heavy food and alcohol it’s easy to lose control of your health goals and feel sluggish, so making small changes can keep you in the right direction.

2. Practice Self-Care. 

Taking care of yourself is a necessity during the holiday and self-care looks different on each person. Whether you're spending the holidays alone or with family, make sure to prioritize your healthy habits. Get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, drink a lot of water, stay active, and get vaccinated to avoid getting the flu and COVID-19. 

3. Budget Well. 

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to jeopardize your finances. Be conscious about your spending and establish a budget for spending prior to purchasing gifts. Financial mindfulness can also include finding alternative ways to give to others, rather than physical items. For example, consider giving time, labor, or regifting something that can serve a new purpose. 

4. Prioritize You. 

Amidst all the time spent with family, friends, and coworkers, make sure you're prioritizing yourself. Carve out alone time, be kind to yourself, and choose to do things that make you happy rather than pleasing others. 

5. Set Professional Boundaries.

With the new year approaching, you might feel a sense of urgency in the workplace to meet an increased amount of deadlines. Set professional boundaries during this time period. Use PTO, set your status to “Away” and let coworkers know that you will get back to them during the following work day. 

6. Be Mindful of your Environment.

You may need to set personal boundaries for yourself in order to stay committed to your health and wellness goals. Be mindful of the people, places, and influences that you surround yourself with. For example, if you are trying to limit your alcohol consumption, it might be a good idea to skip the holiday party hosted at the local bar. 

It can be easy to put your own health and wellbeing on the back burner during the holidays. Between end-of-year deadlines, family reunions, gift giving and holiday festivities, self-care and individual time seems nonexistent. Focus instead on striking a balance in all things you do, to help you enjoy this time.