The holidays are a time to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy the company of family and friends. It’s also a time when many of us tend to hit “pause” on our healthy routines. After all, it’s the season of indulgent meals, sweet treats, and relaxing by the fireplace, not exactly the setting for clean eating and cardio.
But here’s the thing: While it feels harmless to let things slide “just for the holidays,” getting off track with your wellness habits can make it much harder to bounce back in the new year. The key? Enjoy the season and maintain balance, so you don’t have to start from scratch in January.
Here are a few simple strategies to help you stay healthy and energized through the holiday season:
Keep Moving
You don’t need a gym membership or hour-long workouts to stay active during the holidays. Just finding small ways to move more throughout your day can make a big impact on how you feel both physically and mentally.
Try some of these easy movement hacks:
- Take a walk after meals – it aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
- Choose the stairs over the elevator whenever possible.
- Park further away from the store or the office to sneak in a few extra steps.
- Turn social time into active time – go ice skating, take a stroll to see holiday lights, or play a game like football or soccer with the family.
- Set a timer to stretch or move every hour if you’re working or lounging at home.
Eat in Moderation
Holiday meals don’t have to mean overeating. You can still enjoy your favorite seasonal foods while being mindful of how much you’re eating.
Here are some tips to help:
- Follow the “80% full” rule: Stop eating when you feel about 80% full. It takes time for your brain to catch up to your stomach.
- Start with smaller portions. You can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
- Don’t skip meals to “save up” for a big dinner. That usually leads to overeating.
- Balance your plate by including a mix of protein, veggies, and a reasonable portion of your favorite indulgence.
Keep a Health Habit or Two on Deck
Consistency is key, even during the busiest season. While it might not be realistic to stick to your full wellness routine, maintaining one or two core habits can keep you grounded.
This could be:
- Drinking enough water throughout the day.
- Starting your morning with a short walk or stretch.
- Keeping healthy snacks on hand to avoid constant grazing on sweets.
- Sticking to your normal sleep schedule as much as possible.
A little structure helps you feel better and makes it much easier to return to your usual routine once the holidays wrap up.
Staying on Track At Work and Beyond
As the year winds down, it’s easy for health to take a backseat. But for companies that prioritize employee wellbeing, the holiday season can be a perfect time to keep momentum going by encouraging reflection, healthy habits, and setting the stage for a strong start in the new year.
Here are a few simple ways employers can support wellbeing during the holiday season:
- Promote movement-friendly meetings – encourage walking meetings or build in quick stretch breaks during long calls or workshops.
- Offer healthy snack options in office kitchens or breakrooms alongside holiday treats.
- Support flexible schedules so employees can better balance rest, movement, and personal time.
- Share wellness tips or light challenges (like a “holiday steps challenge” or “hydration tracker”) to keep teams engaged in a fun, low-pressure way.
- Offer biometric health screenings to help employees gain insight into their current health and set meaningful goals for the year ahead.
Biometric screenings, in particular, provide personalized insights that can empower healthier choices at work, at home, and during the holidays. For employers, they’re a proactive way to demonstrate care and invest in long-term employee wellness. Now’s the perfect time to take the next step. Reach out today to schedule your company biometric screenings and set your employees up for a healthy, motivated start to the new year.
Whether you’re supporting your team’s wellness or focusing on your own, the holiday season is a great time to find balance. You don’t have to choose between celebration and self-care. With a few intentional choices, you can enjoy the season while staying aligned with your health goals.