1. Enjoy in Moderation

It’s one of those health tips for the holidays that gets constantly repeated, and with good reason. Practicing moderation when it comes to nutrition over the holidays is a helpful way of preventing piling on those extra kilos. You can still treat yourself to that slice of cake/pudding/pie - just try eating a smaller portion of it so you’re not stuffing yourself silly.

2. Watch Alcohol Intake

With end-of-year work parties, seasonal celebrations, and New Year’s Eve festivities so close together, the likeliness of indulging in a few too many glasses of champagne is all too real. And constantly dealing with hangovers is no fun at all! If flat out sobriety isn’t an option, then watch your alcohol intake by limiting the number of standard drinks you have in one night, diluting your alcoholic beverages, or asking for the alcohol content to be halved in your cocktails.

3. Change Your Mindset

Mind over matter - isn’t that what they all say? When it comes to your diet, your mindset plays an important role. If you’re watching what you’re eating, don’t think of it as depriving your body of certain things. If we think this way, we’re more likely to obsess over and want the things we’re avoiding. Instead, think of it in a more positive way, like making informed choices about your health.

4. Learn to Say No

Learning to say no can be one of the best things you can do to stay healthy this holiday season. It doesn’t apply to diet either, since the constant social gatherings can take a toll on your well-being too. There seems to be a tendency for people to rush to catch up before Christmas or the New Year, and that adds strain to an already busy social calendar. If you’re feeling stretched for time, know that it’s OK to decline certain invitations and reschedule for a meet up in the New Year when everything is a lot calmer.

5. Stress Less

Having a healthy mind is just as important as having a healthy body. Holiday stress can really put a damper on festivities, so knowing how to deal with it can help relieve any tension and anxiety. Whether it’s meditation or a quick yoga session, find something that has a calming effect on you that you can use to overcome any stress associated with the holiday season.

6. Stay Active

If your social calendar is becoming increasingly busy over the holidays, exercise might be one of the first activities to be put on the back burner. However, staying active can help in a lot of ways, from maintaining weight to relieving stress. A brisk walk or a quick circuit training session can all be effective ways to stay active during the holidays.

7. Sleep Well

The holiday season can seriously mess with your sleeping patterns. All the parties, get-togethers and late night socialising mean you might not be getting enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours every night, and if you can’t sleep in the next day then try resting up and taking it easy.

8. Stay Guilt-Free

Despite our best intentions, sometimes things just don’t work out the way we planned. If you do find yourself indulging a bit too much or wake up with a hangover, don’t beat yourself up about it. Aim for a better tomorrow and use it as motivation to strive for a healthier you.

When it comes to staying healthy over the holidays, practicing moderation and maintaining routine can have huge benefits. It’s OK to indulge, as long as you don’t go overboard! What are your best health tips for dealing with the holidays?