5 Tips for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season
The holidays can be a time to recharge, enjoy life’s simple pleasures, and share time with the people you love. For many of us, however, they are also associated with increased stress and unhealthy habits. With the right resources, even the Grinches among us can have a healthier and more pleasant holiday experience. Here’s some advice on how to stay physically and emotionally healthy over the holidays.
How to stay healthy and happy over the holidays
The holiday season is upon us. Holidays can be a time of increased stress, which can lead to overeating and other behaviors that can make us feel worse and harm our health. They can also be a wonderful time to rest, reflect, have fun with people we love, and celebrate the year past and the one yet to come.
The difference depends on our behaviors and mindsets. How will we handle stress as it arises? We are not victims of circumstances. We have the power to practice healthy habits and encourage our loved ones to do the same.
Here are a few tested tips for getting more enjoyment out of the holidays by putting our health first.
Eat right
Holiday gluttony and going into a “food coma” can be enjoyable - in moderation. But overdoing it can leave us feeling worse in the long run. Unhealthy eating is linked with stress, along with all sorts other of health problems down the road. But a lot of food that’s “bad for you” is also delicious. What to do?
Our mission at Kevin’s Natural Foods is to create healthy food that also tastes great. And it’s easy to prepare, too! Try some of our sauces, spices, and entrees, share them with your loved ones, and you’ll have a fun dining experience that leaves you feeling great.
Get moving
Rest and relaxation may be what the holidays are all about. But if you add some physical activity to your holiday itinerary, you can get some endorphins flowing. A short run may leave you feeling better in the long run!
Consider a walk, a hike, or a physically active game you can play together with the people you love. You may find yourself feeling healthier, happier, and more convivial.
Slice your stress
The holidays are considered a pleasant time by many. For others, they are associated with increased levels of stress. This can take many forms - whether related to money, family issues, the worry and hurry of busy time of year, or the pressure to be happy and stay positive, which can have a counterproductive effect.
To mitigate the unpleasant and stressful effects the holidays can have, cut as much stress as you can. For instance, if preparing an elaborate meal is a stressful experience for you, consider keeping it simple this year.
Entrees and sides from Kevin’s Natural Foods are healthy, delicious, and ready to serve in minutes. This may take some of the bustle out of your holiday preparation and give you more time to enjoy yourself.
Prioritize health and safety
Make sure you and your family stay safe over the holidays. This may require some extra planning and precautions.
If you’re traveling, make sure you do research beforehand so you know what to expect. If you’re worried about attending large gatherings, it’s okay to turn down invitations due to health concerns - people will understand.
You’ll be assured a better holiday experience if you put your safety, and the safety of your loved ones, at the top of your agenda.
Enjoy time with your loved ones
Togetherness with friends and family can help mitigate stress. Science shows that being around people we care for can help release our favorite brain chemicals, especially if we’re already in a relaxed frame of mind.
A practice of gratitude or mindfulness can help us stay present with the people who support us and cognizant of all that’s going well in our lives.
A meal you love is a great way to bond with the people you most appreciate. Entrees and sides from Kevin’s Natural Foods are healthy, tasty, and easy to prepare - and leave you and yours feeling healthier and happier in mind, heart, and belly.
To enrich your holiday experience and delight your taste buds, and experience how convenient healthy, delicious food can be, try one of our delicious entrees today.
