When I posed the question as to what everyone wanted to see regarding holiday content, multiple requests were made for ways to stay healthy and balanced this holiday season with all the holiday celebrations + treats that abound. So today I’m sharing the six ways that I try to stay on track, balanced, and mentally sane during the holiday seasons…

1. Balance Out The Indulgences: I’m all about indulging in those holiday treats… I mean, what’s the fun in just looking? Yet I always like to balance it out with something more nutritious. So if I know a particular evening is going to be relatively indulgent, I like to make sure my other meals of the day are loaded with veggies, fruits, healthy grains, and lean proteins. I also think having healthy snacks on hand makes it exponentially easier to stay on track… instead of reaching for the office holiday cookie plate (or candy jar) mid-afternoon, you can simply grab your pre-made snack (and it’ll likely give you more energy to get through the last few hours of the workday….).

2. Portion Control: While I don’t measure out what I eat (no time for that), I do have a general idea of what my body needs (even more so now that I am pregnant)…. and that same theory applies to all the holiday treats. No need to say no, I just don’t go overboard, and listen to my body. Usually a small slice of pie, a couple cookies, some peppermint bark, etc is sufficient to satisfy my sweet tooth without leaving me feeling as if I’m in a sugar coma. I also think not allowing yourself these indulgences is worse… and leaves you craving it even more… and more likely to over indulge when you do.

3. Get Creative With Your Workouts: This time of the year can get really busy, so I always try to get creative when it comes to working out. Since there are usually so many different family activities we want to do, I try to figure out ways to incorporate workouts within them. Doing a walking tour to see festive lights, walking around Christmas tree lots (love smelling the fresh pine), getting your cardio in doing holiday shopping (I think I took 12,000 steps on Black Friday), or a long walk with your girlfriend for a catchup session (as opposed to sitting at a coffee shop), etc… I think you’d be surprised how many steps you can take doing all those activities. Annnd, if the weather is just too treacherous to head outside, or to the gym, it’s easy to find at home workout videos that will get you feeling the burn from the comforts of your living room.

4. Be Prepared: If you do end up scheduling a workout for before or after work, it’s best to be prepared. I always do morning workouts, and lately it has been so cold outside… and the temptation to hit snooze and stay in my warm bed is always in the back of my mind. Yet knowing that I have cozy workout gear to keep me warm pulls me out of bed. I’ve been playing the layered game lately, and this long sleeve top + fleece vest are both perfect pieces to keep me warm during my morning workouts (whether it’s to and from, or an actual run outside). Jockey has some excellent quality “stay warm and cozy” pieces that can help you eliminate the cold as an excuse to get in a workout. I also own this fleece zip front jacket (great layered above the top I am wearing)…. and this sherpa lined tunic, sweatshirt tunic, cowl neck top, and side tie leggings (wearing them today) are great for keeping you stylish, practical, and warm during your workouts. They’re also excellent gift ideas too… my mom loved this fleece vest when I wore it the other morning…. and this bralette box (which features my favorite comfy bralette) is a wonderful gift option.

5. Say “No”: Sometimes the best way to stay healthy this holiday is to say “no” to things that will make you feel over-scheduled and stressed. With so many holiday invites it’s easy to feel the need to say “yes” to everything, over stretch yourself, and get worn down. Sometimes a quiet evening in, with some Christmas music + movies, with those you love will give you that holiday festive feel without draining your sleep or stressing you out. I’d also advocate that saying “no” is the ultimate form of self-care…..

6. Listen To Your Body: Maybe the most important of them all. I know for me, my body tells me what I need… whether that’s sleep, a break from sweets, a good long run, or a relaxing yoga flow session, listening to my bodily cues is the ultimate way to stay on track + healthy during the holiday season. When I push my body past its limits, I feel it… physically + mentally.

7. Avoid Comparison: It’s easy to get caught up in seeing what others are doing at the holiday season (from lights, trees, gift, etc…) and then compare that to what you’re doing. Yet that’s just setting us all up for unhappiness during a time that’s meant to be joyous. The best way to combat this is to be grateful for all we can do, and to give where we can. I always find that when I give to those who are less fortunate, whether it’s a simple gift certificate or a basket of food, I feel so much more grateful for all I’ve been given.
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(Outfit Details || Vest | Leggings | Top)

Thank you to Jockey for sponsoring this post….