Holidays are all about festivity and stuffing oneself with delicious food. However, returning to your healthy routine post-holidays is quite challenging. Almost all of us struggle with it after spending weeks with family and friends, indulging ourselves with delicacies through Christmas and New Year. However, you have to return to your usual routine sooner or later. So, here are some tips that will make the transition much easier and get you back on track.
1. Take time to unwind
Nobody is expecting you to go back to your pre-holiday healthy habits instantly. With kids around, it isn’t easy to immediately bounce back because the holiday buzz hasn’t left them yet. It’s an unrealistic goal. Instead, start with setting small and achievable goals for yourself post-holiday season.
For instance, starting tomorrow, prepare a healthier breakfast for your family, move around a little throughout the day, and practice mindful eating, among other things. This will get you started without making you feel overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time, and you will return to your healthy routine without even knowing it.
2. Plan beforehand
When you are bouncing back from the holidays, preparing meals from scratch for yourself and your kids might seem daunting, at least for the first few days. It’s perfectly fine since you are still recovering from the holiday mode. However, plan your meals and snacks in advance to avoid reaching for those unhealthy options.
Make a list of 30-minute meal options or one-pot dishes that can be easily made. Make them through the week without spending too much time in the kitchen. Having the items written will make it easier to decide, and you will be less likely to reach for unhealthy options during those hunger pangs.
3. Drink fluid
You need to stay hydrated if you want to restart your healthy routine post-holiday season (and it is also handy if you want to lose that extra calorie). So, drink water, herbal teas, and detox juices to hydrate yourself. Always carry a water bottle with you whenever you go out to avoid grabbing a can of soda when thirsty.
4. Sleep well
You may have stayed up late during the holiday season, chatting with your friends and family or catching a movie with your partner. However, now is the time to change that habit, as getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Also, we can always use some extra rest with all the running around behind the kids.
Keep your mobile phone and other electronic devices away, and sleep for 7-8 hours to reset your regular sleep schedule. This will help your body recover from the holidays and restore energy levels, making you feel more energetic the next day.
5. Start exercising
After the long holiday break, you must be hesitant to return to your workout routine. However, it would be best to start exercising as soon as possible. Go for a walk, jog, do yoga, hit the gym, or do any other physical activity to elevate your mood, burn those calories, and set your tone for the post-holiday season.
Start slowly initially and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Exercising is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being.
Getting back to your healthy routine post-holiday season is difficult. We understand that better than anyone, but it is essential to prioritize your well-being. So, follow these tips and start your journey towards a “healthy you” today.
