Make sure to prioritize your health this holiday season

The holidays can be a joyous time, but the whirlwind of parties, shopping, winter activities, and crossing everything off your jam-packed to-do list could leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

While the adage that it's better to give than to receive rings true for many of us, especially around the holidays, it's important to set aside time for your needs and practice self-care.

With our helpful tips, you can prioritize yourself to help limit stress, maintain your healthy lifestyle, and enjoy holiday season.

Simple ways to prioritize yourself during the holidays.

Stay consistent with your healthy habits.

No matter what's on your calendar this holiday season, keeping your journey on track and avoiding the temptation to overindulge is important.

Do your best to consistently eat complete, balanced meals, especially before a special event, so you don't arrive hungry. This can help you improve or maintain your weight while still allowing you to enjoy holiday festivities.

It’s also important to remember to take the Release® supplement with each meal, even if you happen to have an ‘off-plan’ meal.

There may be a time when you eat a little extra at a special event. If that happens, be sure to eat mindful portions. Then, recommit to your Plan and get back on track at your next meal!

Focus on what you can control.

No matter how busy your schedule gets around the holidays, there are always two things you can control: your thoughts and your actions. 

Staying dedicated to your weight loss journey during the holidays starts with believing you can do it! If you approach the season with a healthy attitude and maintain a 'progress over perfection' mindset, you'll be in great shape. 

It's also important to not beat yourself up or feel guilty about choices that aren't consistent with a healthy lifestyle. Again, make an effort to get back on track at your next meal and keep moving forward.

Stay active.

A ramped-up schedule and colder weather could put a damper on your normal activity level, but there are plenty of ways you can sneak activity into your day and remain active throughout the season.

Chances are, you'll be running a lot of errands. So, being on your feet and doing simple things like parking further from stores and taking the stairs can add to your activity level while you prepare for the holidays.

Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’.

Easier said than done, but declining even just a few holiday activities or events that will either make you feel stressed or pressured to make unhealthy food choices may give you peace of mind and open up your schedule to focus on what's really important to you. 

Also, if you attend a party and someone offers unhealthy food that you’d rather not eat, you don’t have to feel guilty about saying no. Try saying: 

• No thank you for now, maybe later.
• I'm so full but thank you anyway.
• No thank you, but the food looks delicious.

There’s no reason to feel guilty about your food choices. You don’t need to justify your decisions. Just be polite and do what makes you feel comfortable.

Make time to do the things you love.

No matter how busy you get this holiday season, you should have enough time to practice self-care and make yourself happy. Whether it's watching your favorite holiday movie, listening to seasonal music, splurging on a spa visit, or curling up with a good book, it's important that you find ways to relax and limit stress. 

When you're anxious or stressed about your day, a common coping mechanism is to turn to food. The more you can destress and take time for yourself by doing activities you love, the less likely you will rely on food to make you feel better.

Get plenty of sleep.

Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Not only does getting enough sleep help you feel better prepared for a busy day, but it can also keep your appetite hormones in check, making it easier to avoid unhealthy eating habits. 

Since there are fewer daylight hours during the winter, take advantage of the opportunity to get to bed earlier and ensure that you’re getting the sleep you need to feel your best the following day.

Make a plan for the new year.

Eventually, the hustle and bustle of the holidays will be over, and you will finally be able to relax. To start the new year with momentum and motivation to continue your journey, envision how you’d like to look and feel and write down your goals to help you make it happen!

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