Healthy Family Time During the Holidays

The holidays can be....

STRESSFUL!

Planning, packing, loading up children/pets, traveling, shopping, cooking, and all of the in-betweens that are inherent during this time of year can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Much of feeling this way stems from not spending QUALITY time with loved ones, and not staying active in healthy ways. The fix is simple.

Family Time

To keep the warmth of Thanksgiving and the cheer of Christmas, set aside a movie night and watch movies relevant to the holiday. After everyone has showered and are wearing comfortable pajamas, pop some popcorn with your favorite seasonings (cinnamon and a pinch of sugar is delightful!), cuddle up, and be in the moment - phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, etc. are put AWAY. Hot chocolate or cider helps with the general ambiance of the season and helps soothe stress away.

Include the family in the holiday related tasks. Are you decorating? Bring in your partner, children, and even your friends to haul the decorations out. Cooking? Divvy the responsibilities, ANYONE can be in the kitchen (even if they're handing over utensils).

Play your favorite holiday music throughout the house, or on your TV, and sing - or dance - along to your heart's desire.

Family Wellness

Pick ANY game you can do outside as a family; leg wrestling, ball sports, snow games, or even make up a game together.

Go walking as a family and bring your pets. If it isn't safe to walk in your neighborhood for any reason, there are usually parks nearby, or schoolsthat will let you utilize their tracks (JUST ASK).

Can't go outside? No problem! Turn on some music and dance together, whether it's silly, slow, or your own type of dance. Learn a trending move or transition from social media. Compete in a fitness challenge with each other: who can do the most leg lifts in a minute, hold the longest squat, or even hold a plank.

Single and NOT ready to mingle with anyone?

I GET IT. I am one of those people who get easily drained from interactions, and even more easily anxious... And I am MARRIED..

Some things you can do for your own personal time and wellness are:

Self-Care

Take a warm shower or bath, then make your own self care routine. I personally take a shower, then soak my feet, trim and pretty up my feet and nails, moisturize, and clean up my hands and nails, and face. All while watching a movie or listening to my favorite holiday music.

Read. Reading just about anything helps to relax the body and clear the mind. Just stay away from the news/current events and you're golden.

Watch a movie. My dad LOVES Hallmark movies, my husband likes the Die Hard franchise, and I like Home Alone. Fix up your favorite drink and snack, get comfortable, set aside your electronics, and be in the moment.


Personal Wellness

Walk outside, it doesn't have to be rigorous or even that far, just walk. If you have a pet then bring 'em!

Gym time! Whether you know what you are doing or not, everyone belongs in the gym. Need inspiration? Check out my Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for ideas!

Challenge your SELF. Stretch, dance, do a trending at-home workout (you don't have to post anything). But get moving!

ALL of these activities can be accompanied by your favorite holiday (or not) music.

Not sure what specific activities you can do with your loved ones, or on your own? Contact me here TODAY with the word "BALANCE" for a personalized-for-your-family plan for the remainder of 2024.