Twelve Days of Holiday Hacks

‘Tis the season when we’re making that list, checking it twice, giving, receiving, celebrating, indulging and shopping, shopping, shopping. ‘Tis also the season when it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. When that happens, it’s easy for us to lose sight of our routine and let the good habits we’ve cultivated all year fall by the wayside. So, since you’re already in a gift giving frame of mind, why not take some time away from the hustle and bustle and prioritize the gift of time and attention just for you? Even a few minutes a day is enough to remind yourself that although you have so much gratitude for the other people in your life, you are the person for whom you are the most grateful.

The first gift you can give yourself over this holiday season is sleep. It’s hard to keep a regular bedtime and sleep routine when you’re juggling parties, late night gift wrapping and holiday baking prep, but sleep really is the foundation for your health and wellness during this most wonderful time of the year. Too little sleep affects your hunger hormones, makes you less likely to work out and makes it more likely that your sleep will be disrupted again. Set yourself up for sleep success by watching what you eat before bed, using CBD or other calming, essential oils, darkening your room and investing in noise cancelling headphones.

When you wake in the morning, resist the urge to jump out of bed. Instead give yourself a few minutes to stretch and greet the day. Then take five minutes to meditate and, most importantly, set your intention for the day. This will be a touchstone for you to return to whenever you feel overwhelmed by your naughty and nice list.

Give yourself some grace when it comes to your workouts. If you can stick with your routine, great. If not, just make sure you move your body every day. A short walk, a sun salutation or a dance party in the kitchen before dinner can all get your heart rate up and your blood flowing.

Speaking of things that bring you great joy, make sure to build one or two of those into your day as well. Indulge yourself by pairing something you don’t love with something you enjoy. Visit with a friend during a trip to the mall to get those last-minute teacher gifts, or spoil yourself with a guilty pleasure like a sappy holiday rom-com while you wrap that endless pile of gifts.

Did someone say “mall”? If it’s going to be one of those marathon days, avoid the food court by bringing a lunch from home. Find a bench in a corner or take a break in your car and give yourself good fuel to power yourself through the rest of the day.

For shorter mall trips or other outings, a high-quality snack like a protein bar, a cheese stick or a handful of nuts will keep you away from the pretzel and cookie kiosks.

Finally, even though the weather outside might be frightful, don’t forget to hydrate. Drink at least 60 ounces of water each day to help flush toxins and keep your metabolism ticking.

Another gift we can give ourselves during the holidays is the practice of saying “no.” Of course, there are events and parties we must attend, but remem- ber that when you don’t say “no,” occasionally you’re saying “yes” to everyone but you. Prioritize the things you want to do and then politely decline all the rest.

Maybe for you, saying “no” looks like outsourcing meal prep, decorating or holiday cards. This is the best time of year to call in reinforcements. Take a tip from Santa. He has a whole staff of elves giving him a hand during his busy season.

If you choose to say yes to that party, make sure to eat a small, high protein meal (preferably with some leafy greens included) before you go. And remember, if you’re drinking alcohol, alternate your cocktails with water or plain seltzer.

Is it morning already? Nothing is harder than waking up for that workout the day after a late night out. Make sure you get out the door by recruiting a friend for a post-party workout. You’ll be much more likely to show up if you know you have someone waiting for you.

But here’s the most important thing. The holidays are fun! They’re a time to enjoy the company of good friends, to savor the taste of delicious food, and to celebrate the magic of the season. So, if you overindulge, or don’t sleep or exercise enough, give yourself the gift of forgiveness. Don’t regret yesterday, just get back into your routine today. This is a time of rebirth and spreading light, so remember to start with yourself. 46 | Holiday 2022