The holidays are supposed to be a time of cheerful celebrations, so why are so many of us left feeling stressed and exhausted when the merriment ends? After years of helping clients navigate the simultaneous highs and lows of the holiday season, I have noticed a recurring theme; when clients aren’t attuned to prioritizing their healthy habits due to the added pressures of the holiday season; traveling, gift giving, depriving themselves of sleep or relying on substances to help make it all happen, they are often left feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and sometimes even quite depressed. A growing body of evidence in Lifestyle Medicine shows us how our behavior impacts our mental health. Here are six tips to help you prioritize your overall wellness for a truly enjoyable holiday season. Here are six tips to prioritize your health and wellness this holiday season.
Prioritize Whole Foods
Holiday food is typically high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, which can all have a negative impact on how you are feeling physically, and, less obviously, mentally as well. Try preparing a vegetable dish in a healthy fat, such as olive oil, for your holiday gathering this year. Fall and winter produce like beets, squash, brussel sprouts, and cabbage are packed with health-promoting fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that are important for your overall health. If you fill your plate up with vegetables, you may be less likely to grab that extra cookie at the end of the night.
Stick to Your Normal Sleep Schedule
Sleep deprivation can undoubtedly leave people feeling irritable and anxious. During holiday breaks, try to get to bed and wake up at the same time you usually would. Sleeping in late on days off may feel like a restorative treat, but it is actually setting you up for difficulty falling asleep the next night.
Schedule Time to Exercise
Don’t wait until the New Year to get serious about your exercise routine. Take some time to engage in an exercise routine that feels good to you. A long walk on a brisk fall morning, a turkey trot with the family, or ice skating with friends are fun ways to work exercise into your holiday calendar.
Watch Your Alcohol Consumption
Despite what society may lead you to believe, partaking in alcohol consumption is not mandatory at holiday events! Excessive alcohol intake has been shown to exacerbate fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Try bringing your favorite nonalcoholic drink of choice to your gathering. You can take it up a notch and create an aesthetically pleasing holiday drink, like a cranberry seltzer garnished with fresh herbs. If you are planning a holiday event, ask the venue to include a festive holiday mocktail on the bar menu.
Foster Positive Social Connections
Make an effort to spend time with loved ones who bring positivity and support into your life. More often than not, people feel obligated to spend holidays with family members, even if they are toxic. Prioritize your time with positive connections this holiday season, and limit time spent with connections purely out of self-imposed obligation.
Practice Stress Management Techniques
Take time to practice meditation or take a gentle yoga class. If you practice a religion, make time for prayer or attend a service. Consider keeping a daily gratitude journal and writing about things you are thankful for. Evidence has shown that a grateful approach can overshadow perceived hassles and leave you feeling happy, peaceful, and more satisfied in your relationships rather than stressed, anxious, or angry when glitches come up during your holiday celebrations.
Remember, your choices are powerful and will affect you for better and worse, but they are ultimately yours. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional at The Midtown Practice to help guide you through this season and into the new year. Wishing you and your loved ones joyful memories.
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Office Address
18 East 48th Street,
Suites 1104 and 1202,
NYC 10017
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Service Locations
New York, New Jersey, Conneticuit, Florida, California & Massachusetts
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Get Started Today
We’re pleased you are here, and we’re committed to finding the right person to help you with your mental health.
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Step 1: Connect
Finding the right person to help can seem challenging, which is why we offer multiple ways to connect with us. You can schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation with our highly trained Clinical Coordinator, Alli Malamut, by either:
- Calling or texting us at: 212-286-8801
- Email us at: info@midtownpractice.com
- By completing the form to the left.
If you do not reach us directly, you can expect to hear back from us the same day or within one business day.
Step 2: Get Matched
In order to find you an ideal fitting clinician or therapist, our Clinical Coordinator will want to learn more about you. Specifically, it would be helpful to hear about your concerns, personal preferences, and any relevant logistical matters (for example, in-person or video sessions? best time or day to meet?) During this call, please feel free to ask us any questions as well!
Please feel free to share with us if you have already identified someone you would like to work with from Our Team page.
Step 3: Check the fit
Connect with the clinician or therapist you are matched with to ask questions, share history, and make sure you feel comfortable about moving forward. If so, book your first session. If it does not feel right, circle back with us.
Step 4: Get started
Schedule time to meet with your new clinician or therapist and work towards living a more fulfilling life!
Over the years, we’ve found our thoughtful matching process is the surest way to find you an ideal clinician or therapist and achieve the best outcome for you.
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Call Us
212-286-8801
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Email Us
info@midtownpractice.com
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Office Address
18 East 48th Street, Suites 1104 and 1202, NYC 10017
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