Evergreen’s Top Tips for Healthy Holidays
Happy December everyone! Wow, this year was a whirlwind. As joyful as the holiday season can be, it often comes with an extra layer of stress as we try to navigate the treats, parties, end-of-year deadlines, shopping, and the many other stressors this time of year brings. Luckily, one of the easiest ways to stay grounded and healthy is to get into the gym and move your body, and we are here to support you!
Check out our top tips on how to show up as your best self as you finish 2024:
• Schedule Your Workouts
Getting into the gym is harder with holiday travel and busier work schedules. Treat your gym sessions as non-negotiable, and block off the time in your schedule for the upcoming weeks. Give your body and brain a boost of endorphins for one hour, and the rest of your day will feel easier to tackle! With classes being busy this time of year, book your spot ahead of time (and please remember to cancel if you can’t make it so someone else can have your spot). Traveling over the holidays? Check out Evergreen On Demand for easy-to-follow online workouts that you can do from the comfort of your living room or a drop-in gym. Maybe you’ll even talk Uncle Gary into joining you for a round or two..
• Prioritize Rest and Sleep
Give your body and brain high-quality rest and everything else will go more smoothly. When you get sufficient sleep, you can manage emotions, stress, and grocery store lines much easier. While there are plenty of supplements and hacks to getting more sleep, we know that a good workout is one of the best options! Additionally, be mindful of screen time before bed (the light from your phone, TV, and computer has been shown to suppress the brain’s production of melatonin), avoid alcohol and caffeine later in the day, and give yourself time to wind down before bed. Consider trading hours of Netflix or watching the news for activities like reading, journaling, guided body scan meditations, or a cup of herbal tea. End your day gently and restoratively.
• Eat Mindfully
Consuming the right foods all the time is impossible, especially this time of year. But the practice of eating mindfully can be a quick way to a healthier body. This means be present while you are eating, to what you are eating. It might be as simple as actually chewing your food! Slow down, express gratitude for all who helped bring that food to your plate, and acknowledge the nourishment you body is receiving. It is easy to overindulge, but the simple act of being present while you eat can shift your habits and guide you towards healthier choices.
• Don’t Forget the Little Things
The smallest parts of our day add up to the greatest impacts to our wellbeing. Think: sips of water, deep breaths, fresh air on your lunch break, and putting your phone down. This isn’t the time of year to be making massive changes to your habits (we’ll save that for January :) but you can start to create the foundation necessary for better mental and physical health. Studies have shown that true happiness comes more from recognizing the small joys throughout our day than receiving big promotions or going on extravagant vacations. When you notice the little things– that fresh water from your tap, the smile from a neighbor, the way the sun peeks through the clouds– take a moment to stop and appreciate it.
All of us at Evergreen are so grateful for each of you, for the time you set aside to take care of your body, and the joy you bring to our day. Don’t forget to prioritize your mental and physical health this month, and count your blessings!
We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season. 🌟
