The festive season is often associated with over-indulgence and breaking away from our daily routines but that doesn’t mean it has to derail your goals! Christmas can coexist with your health and wellbeing aspirations if you approach it with the right mindset.
7 ways to stay on track this Christmas
Celebrating occasions such as Christmas is a vital part of maintaining our overall wellbeing. Celebrating gives us much-needed respite from our daily routines, allowing us to connect with loved ones, indulge in festive traditions, and simply enjoy the present moment. However, it doesn't mean that we can't stay focused on our long-term goals. By finding a balance between celebration and productivity, we can recharge our spirits while continuing to make progress. This balance can be achieved by setting realistic expectations for ourselves during the festive period, prioritising tasks effectively, and scheduling time for both relaxation and goal-oriented activities.
top tips to help you stay on track this Christmas
1. Adopt a balanced mindset
The key to enjoying Christmas without guilt is embracing balance. A single meal or a week of celebration isn’t going to undo months of effort. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for moderation. Let go of the “all-or-nothing” mindset, and remember that flexibility is part of a sustainable approach to your goals.
Tip: If you have a big Christmas dinner planned, balance it out with lighter meals before or after. It’s all about maintaining a sense of equilibrium.
2. Prioritise what you truly love
Instead of mindlessly indulging in everything, choose the foods you genuinely love and enjoy them mindfully. Savour every bite and focus on quality over quantity.
Tip: Before diving into a buffet or Christmas spread, take a moment to assess what’s on offer. Pick the items you really want instead of piling your plate with everything.
3. Stay active, but keep it fun
You don’t need to stick to a rigid exercise routine during the holidays, but keeping active can help you feel energised and balanced. Incorporate movement into festive activities, like a family walk after dinner or a fun dance session to Christmas music.
Tip: Set a goal to move for at least 20-30 minutes each day, whether it’s a gentle yoga session or a brisk walk. Keeping it simple and enjoyable ensures it doesn’t feel like a chore.
4. Plan ahead
While spontaneity is part of the fun, a little planning can go a long way in helping you stay on track. If you know you’ll be attending multiple festive events, plan for indulgence on those days and stick to your regular habits during quieter moments.
Tip: If you’re contributing to a Christmas meal, bring a dish that aligns with your goals. This way, you’ll have at least one option you feel good about enjoying.
5. Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger, especially with the abundance of rich foods and drinks during Christmas. Drinking water can help you feel fuller, reducing the likelihood of overindulging in both alcohol and high-calorie snacks often present at social events.
Prioritising water intake before, during and after drinking alcohol ensures you can enjoy the festivities responsibly and comfortably. Share the message about the importance of hydration with your friends too, they will thank you for it!
Tip: Start your day with a glass of water and alternate between festive drinks and water throughout the day. This simple habit can make a big difference.
6. Focus on connection, not just consumption
Focus on the joy of connecting with loved ones, sharing laughs, and making memories. Shifting your mindset from what’s on your plate to who’s around the table can help reduce the urge to overindulge.
Tip: Suggest non-food-related activities, like playing games, watching a movie, or going for a walk together.
7. Practice self-compassion
If you do overindulge, don’t dwell on it. One or two indulgent meals won’t ruin your progress. Be kind to yourself and focus on getting back to your usual routine without guilt or self-criticism.
Tip: Use indulgent moments as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what you enjoyed most and how you can approach similar situations with even more balance in the future.
WHY WAIT TILL THE NEW YEAR?
You can stay on track this Christmas wtih a little help from our Habits for Health programme! Whether it's ditching bad habits, upgrading existing ones or creating new habits - our Habits for Health online programme may be just the answer to help you go into the New Year with a head start on feeling great!
Final Thoughts to stay on track this christmas
Christmas is meant to be enjoyed, and indulging can be part of that joy. By approaching the festive season with a balanced mindset and incorporating small, mindful habits, you can celebrate without guilt and stay aligned with your goals. After all, wellbeing is about more than sticking to a plan, it’s about creating a life that feels good.
So, go ahead, enjoy that festive treat, and know that you have a great time and stay on track this Christmas! 
References and further reading
https://wellbeingpeople.com/eat-well/importance-of-hydration-at-all-times/2024/
https://wellbeingpeople.com/category/christmas/
https://www.earth.com/news/holiday-meals-indulgence-and-health-benefits-can-coexist/
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