6 healthy habits to stick with during the holidays

As the year winds down, we often find ourselves amid a whirlwind of to-dos and obligations. You may have big projects to finish at work, family and loved ones to tend to, last-minute holiday shopping to complete, and trips to take. Even though life can feel hectic, it’s important to pause and tune into your needs. Keeping up with a few essential habits can help you maintain a sense of rhythm—and your health—during a busy time.

Don’t shortchange your exercise routine

Physical activity often falls off the schedule during the holiday season. But you can reduce stress levels while staying fit if you stick to your workout plan. You may even give your immune system a boost, which comes in handy during a time of year when a slew of viruses (from cold to flu to COVID) are circulating. Try to exercise at the same time every day so it becomes—and stays—a habit. Bundle up and head outside for a walk. If the weather is too cold, you can workout at home or even do some simple yoga poses when you wake up.

Enjoy holiday foods, but keep a balanced diet

Holiday meals and treats are often a highlight of the season. There’s no reason to feel guilty for having a decadent meal as part of a special occasion. Just remember that maintaining a healthy diet is a process that takes place over the long haul. Enjoy your food in the moment, but the next day, pick up where you left off with your healthy eating plan. That may mean loading your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Watch your alcohol consumption

Drinking more than you would normally can be common during this time of year. Just remember that binge drinking can impair your judgment and harm your health. (Plus, no one wants to wake up with a terrible headache in the morning.) If you drink, stick to a moderate intake of alcohol. That’s one drink per day for women and two for men. If you don’t currently drink, don’t start. There are plenty of alcohol-free sips to enjoy this time of year that are easy to make at home.

Needless to say, never drink and drive, and don’t let friends or loved ones drive if they’ve been drinking.

Take some downtime

It’s important to try to schedule time to relax during the busiest times of the year. Think about what keeps your stress at bay. It could be a hot bath with Epsom salts at the end of the day, making time to read, doing holiday crafts, practicing meditation, or watching something that makes you laugh—anything that makes you feel joyful and recharged.

Stick to your sleep schedule

As the calendar ticks down to the end of the year, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to finish all the tasks you have in front of you. Try not to stay up too late finishing the year’s budget, wrapping presents, or baking another round of cookies. Instead, be mindful of your typical bedtime and wake up when you normally would. A good night’s sleep can help you feel relaxed and ready to take on your to-do list with a fresh start tomorrow.

Keep up your illness prevention

The winter holidays coincide with peak season for a range of bugs, including the cold, flu, COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). You may be exposed to several viruses at once while you spend time in large gatherings. This is a time to double down on your best hygiene practices.

That means washing your hands frequently or using hand sanitizer if necessary. You may also elect to wear a mask when you’re in crowded environments and don’t need to show your face, such as on trains, buses, or airplanes, or in theaters. It’s also never a bad time to get up to date on your vaccinations. Get a flu shot if you haven’t yet and talk to your healthcare provider about the latest COVID-19 booster and whether it makes sense for you to get the RSV vaccine. These vaccinations can spare you from serious illness—and could even save your life.

Above all, if you’re feeling sick, take one for the team and stay home. Though you might miss out on the fun, keeping your germs to yourself is one good way to spread holiday cheer.