They’re over – the anticipation and the excitement of holidays with family and friends. Perhaps there was a bit too much eating, too much partying, and too little exercise…

Perhaps there were even some challenging family moments.  Unrealistic holiday expectations of “joy and peace” often result in disappointment when our family members behave the way they always do – imperfect people living life the best they can.

And now we’re left with post holiday blahs.

To help you cope with the aftermath of the festive merry ho-ho, here are five gentle tips to get you back on track to a healthier you.

Rest and relax

• Go to bed a bit earlier than usual. Although you can’t store up on sleep, you can catch up on some extra zzzzzzs.  Practice good sleep habits.
•  Make time for meditation and/or prayer.
• Take naps.
• Make time for your favourite past time which helps you relax i.e. knitting.

Eat healthy food

• Throw out the left-over holiday junk food – really, it won’t add pounds to the garbage can.
• Stock your fridge with healthy food.
• Get back to your regular healthy eating practices.  Need some ideas?
• Try these tips for healthy eating if you’re on shiftwork.

Get re-hydrated

• Holiday eating and drinking can definitely lead to dehydration.
• We know the benefits of being adequately hydrated so make it easy to increase your water intake each day.

Move your body

• Now is as good a time as any to get back into your regular exercise program, or start exercising for the first time. Apparently, it’s never too late.
• There are multiple websites to help you develop a plan, or contact your local health clinic for programs and support.
• Don’t forget to check with your doctor if you haven’t exercised in a while.

Deal with the family calamities

If your usual coping strategies for dealing with the family fall-out from holidays could use some tweaking, here are some websites to get you going.

• University of California, Berkley  – Eight Keys to Forgiveness
• From Oprah’s Martha Beck – Five Ways to Survive Your Next Family Gathering

 

So, unless you’re absolutely brilliant and have left time for a Caribbean cruise to recuperate from the holidays, give these tips a go!

Written by Wendy Kurchak, Retired Registered Nurse, retired High School Guidance Counselor, and holiday chocolate fiend.