Three self-care tips to boost your nutrition and wellbeing over the holidays

Food is more than nourishment. Food is a connection. Food is culture. Food is creativity.

Sharing food with others and eating together are common threads throughout the world. Food is a creative expression of values and traditions. This is evident during the holidays.

The holidays can bring joy, but they can also bring some stress. Here are three self-care tips to boost your nutrition and wellbeing over the holidays:

Stay hydrated

Our bodies are mostly made of water. So, it is not surprising that you can feel down in the dumps when you have not had enough fluids. Common symptoms of not getting enough fluids are headache and tiredness. Dizziness is another symptom which can increase the risk of falls.   

Many times, we think we are hungry when we are actually thirsty. Try having a glass of water. Like a wilted plant, you may find it is the pick-up your body needs. Bring water with you when doing errands and shopping for the holidays.

Be mindful 

With the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays, we may eat on the go more. We may eat differently when we are stressed. During the holidays, we also tend to graze on food when it is within reach. As a result, self-awareness can fade away.

Mindful eating is about bringing your awareness back to yourself and tuning into your senses. Focus on the flavours, textures, and aromas of your food. Slow down and enjoy every bite.

Mindful eating is also about tuning into your hunger and fullness cues. Avoid going to a party or gathering famished. Have a glass of water and a light snack before you go. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it may also help you stop overeating.    

Keep a regular sleep schedule

A lack of sleep may lead to food cravings and affect your food choices.

A key factor in getting a good sleep that is often overlooked is going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. I know it may be difficult with travel, hosting company and all the extra activities that come with holidays but try to keep a regular sleep schedule.

Sometimes, your sleep is disrupted, like when caring for a sick child. But you can do things that are within your control to help with sleep, such as turning off electronics one hour before bedtime.   

With a night of good sleep, it may be easier to reach for carrot sticks instead of cookies (well, if you are a cookie lover like me, you may still have a cookie or two).  

A final thought: Let go of perfection. Release expectations of what the holidays should look like. The perfect life and the perfect holiday do not exist. They are just ideas portrayed in stories and media.

Wishing you well this holiday season!

By Vanessa Hamilton, RD/Healthy Living Facilitator
Health Promotion and Community Development