Expert Offers Tips to Maintain Healthy Habits During Holidays

The holiday season often disrupts healthy routines, according to Samantha Harden, an associate professor at Virginia Tech. With packed schedules filled with travel, family gatherings, and various events, many people find it challenging to maintain their wellness habits. Harden emphasizes that achieving health during this time does not necessitate perfection; rather, it involves adjusting expectations.

Harden states that the pressure to be at our “best selves” during the holidays can lead to disappointment. “We expect to have time off and be our ‘best selves’ when we step back from work and have all the space to create healthy routines,” she said. However, the reality is that time off is often consumed by holiday activities, both enjoyable and burdensome.

Integrating Health into Holiday Life

Rather than seeking the elusive “perfect” moment to resume healthy habits, Harden encourages individuals to incorporate wellness into their existing holiday routines. Simple adjustments can make a significant difference in maintaining health. For instance, opting for healthier food choices during festive meals or engaging in light physical activity like family walks can help sustain well-being.

Harden also broadens the concept of health beyond just nutrition and exercise. She identifies six areas of well-being: happiness, mental and physical health, close social relationships, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and material and financial stability. She notes that it is acceptable to focus on different aspects of well-being during the holidays. “Maybe during the holiday season, you’re putting less time or other resources into your physical well-being, but you’re putting more into your perception of close social relationships. Let that be enough on your well-being checklist,” she explained.

Shifting Perspectives on Well-being

Harden advises against adopting an all-or-nothing mindset, particularly during the holidays. “During the holidays and always, don’t think of one meal, day, or season away from healthy habits means failure,” she stated. Such rigid thinking can complicate the experience of enjoying the holidays. Instead, she encourages people to align their expectations with their current circumstances and available resources.

For those looking for additional guidance, Harvard Health offers a range of tips for navigating holiday eating. By approaching the season with flexibility and understanding, individuals can enjoy the festivities without sacrificing their health.

In summary, maintaining healthy routines during the holiday season is achievable by adapting expectations and integrating wellness into everyday activities. By focusing on a broader perspective of well-being, individuals can fully embrace the joy of the holidays while still honoring their health goals.