The holiday season is fast approaching, and along with the many festivities come feelings of anxiety and stress. It is important to take time to focus on your mental and physical health throughout this overwhelming time.
From the entire Next Level Physical Therapy & Athletic Performance team, we hope that you and your family have happy holidays and a wonderful start to the new year. If you are interested in taking your training and recovery to the next level, contact our studio at (661) 383-9828 to schedule an appointment. We would love to help you meet your fitness goals!
Consider these tips and tricks to feeling great throughout the holiday season:
One of the best parts about the holidays is the incredible food. The endless parties with homemade treats can make it easy to overindulge in sugar and sweets. Depriving yourself completely can make it easy to binge. The more that you tell yourself that you cannot have something, the more likely you are to want it.
Whether you have a nagging sweet tooth or can’t stay away from salty snacks, remember that a bit of indulgence is expected. Treat yourself but set limits. Choose healthy choices as often as possible and exercise moderation when filling up your plate.
A holiday movie can put anyone in a good mood, but consider taking a walk after the movie. Get up and get out in between meals. By staying active, you can keep the blood flowing, boost endorphins, and feel better all the way around.
Taking a walk or jog can help:
By staying active throughout the holidays, you can avoid feelings of sluggishness and fatigue from overeating. It may improve your mood and the quality of your sleep, too!
Alcohol makes a presence at nearly every holiday party, whether it is a work get-together or a family function. If you choose to imbibe, try to keep it within reason.
Calories from alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can add up quickly. Try to drink as much water as possible throughout the day. Instead of juice or cider, consider low-calorie, low-sugar options.
Reducing stress is not easy during the holidays, but it is imperative to your well-being. Whether it is the financial strain of buying gifts or the inevitable conflicts that arise between families, the holidays are undoubtedly emotionally taxing.
Take some time to get some fresh air or a few minutes to meditate. Just refocusing your energy can help reduce the pressure and anxiety that builds up. You may also need to evaluate situations to determine if they are simply too much. Saying no is perfectly acceptable if the event would negatively impact your mental health.
Throughout the holidays, many of us lose sight of what they mean. In many cases, the holiday season means different things to each of us, but it is usually a time for celebration. Take a few moments to reflect on what this season means to you and how you can make the most of it with people you love.
At Next Level Physical Therapy & Athletic Performance, we would love to help you meet your fitness goals now and into the new year. We know that it can be challenging to prioritize yourself during the last few weeks of the year, but it is vital to your overall wellness. Contact our Santa Clarita studio at (661) 383-9828 to schedule your appointment today.
