With the holiday season in full swing, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the events, parties and traditions. But we don't have to stress about it! In this post, I share five tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without feeling guilty.
photo via Pinterest
Food Guilt
Being neutral is one of the best tips that have changed my life regarding food. What I mean by this is not seeing food as good or bad but instead focusing on how the food will make you FEEL. When we associate foods as bad, our brains automatically associate feelings of guilt and shame with what we are eating, which leaves us feeling inadequate, which is never the goal of eating. On top of that, if we arrive somewhere starving, everything becomes more delicious and making decisions from a place of true hunger can be dangerous regarding food choices.
The holidays are known to bring with them a more significant amount of alcohol consumption. My number one tip for managing your holiday party guilt-free is to drink clear spirits with no sugar and lots of lemon or lime and in between every drink, have a cup of water. If you choose to have wine, make sure it is organic, biodynamic and low in sugar. If you are in Toronto, Grape Witches has a great selection that you can pick up before your holiday party!
Alcohol Consumption
I decided to stop drinking alcohol two years ago and have been sober ever since. I don't share this with a lot of people because in all honesty, I decided for myself, not others. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I know that many people are sober and curious, so if you want to eliminate alcohol, here are my top tips.
Keep the decision to yourself to avoid the opinions and projections of others.
Kindly decline when someone offers you a drink, but remember that you don't owe them a reason why. No, thank you always suffices!
Remember WHY you are choosing not to drink.
photo via pinterest
Movement & Exercise
At this time of year, movement is essential to me. It reminds me that I am not on a diet but just moving forward with my goal of a healthier lifestyle. You will feel better physically, spiritually and emotionally by scheduling activities into your day. No matter where you are and your schedule, staying active and getting in some movement is possible! Whether waking up early to fit in a Mat Pilates Workout before preparing for Christmas dinner or simply taking a walk during lunch, it will positively affect your energy levels throughout the day. The key is being proactive in staying active- no matter how busy life gets!
Social Media Detox
Everyone posts the highlights reels of their holidays on social media, and it can feel like everyone has a better holiday than you. So I invite you to take a social media detox this holiday and spend more time being present and grateful for everything you DO have in your life. It will be the most healing thing you do for yourself during the season.
Get Outside
The colder months are here, and it's easy to spend your holidays indoors. Instead, get outside and live your best life! Try hiking or skiing in nature, or go for a walk with family and friends. This will help you de-stress, find joy, and enjoy the holidays guilt-free.
I hope you enjoyed today's blog post and if any of these tips resonated, please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Holidays,
With love,