The holiday season, culminating in Christmas, can be a hectic, disorganized time. You're forced to deal with influences -- like rich holiday food or people you might not see often -- that aren't present during the rest of the year. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, much of the same advice still applies as you cope with your own culture or religion's winter celebrations, and others around you who are also running through the gauntlet of Christmas stress.
Misconceptions
Retailers might portray the holidays as a time of carefree abundance, but the real world doesn't always work that way. During the lead-up to Christmas you might have to deal with the stress of planning and carrying out holiday activities, and visiting friends and family or having them descend upon you. Even if you do consider Christmas a joyful time, positive changes still count as stressors that can throw your usual routine, and bodily processes, out of whack.
Time Frame
The entire holiday season happens in a rush, with Christmas as the exclamation point at the end. Expect to deal with general turmoil as your daily routine shifts to make way for holiday activities. Now, more than ever, you need regular exercise to reduce your stress levels -- but once your day is properly begun and others begin clamoring for attention, carving out workout time can be nearly impossible. Try scheduling yourself for early morning workouts instead; it'll give you an energy boost to start the day.
Prevention/Solution
Christmas is supposed to be a time of family togetherness, but that doesn't mean you have to get together over an artery-clogging meal. Invite your family to join you during healthy Christmas activities, like building snowmen or snow forts, snowshoe races and ice skating. Guide others in preparing healthier versions of favorite foods -- or take control and make everyone else happy at the same time by offering to do the cooking yourself.
Considerations
No matter how committed you are to staying fit and healthy during the holidays, you can't force family members to change their ways. Give advice and support whenever you can, then accept that they make their own choices. Approach holiday indulgences with a similar attitude: Make conscious choices. Focus on healthy foods but, if the occasional sweet treat leaves you feeling content, let yourself indulge -- but in moderation.
The Bottom Line
The occasional slip-up is inevitable on the best of days, and slip-ups are more likely during the holidays. If you end up eating a little more than you intended to or can't make your workout session, go easy on yourself. As long as you tried your best, you have nothing to feel bad about. Even if you feel you let yourself down, you can always do better next time. Reaffirm your fitness goals and start over fresh, just like the snow outside.
