The holiday season is back—a rewarding but busy time full of travel, events, shopping, cooking, and childcare. On top of that, it can be overwhelming to try and maximize quality visits with loved ones you may not see often. If you tend to get stressed during this time of year, don’t worry! We’ve put together a quick checklist for how to stay calm during the holidays.
Here’s everything you need for a stress-free holiday season this year:
1. A cardio flush
One of the best ways to rid stress (and social anxiety) from your system is to get moving. Go for a vigorous run in the cold air, or take a brisk hike, stroller jog, or walk outside. Around the holidays, exercise tends to be the first thing that gets cut, so be sure to schedule in your workout time and don’t forget to pack your running clothes and shoes.
Can’t get motivated to go out in the cold? There are plenty of holiday-themed workout videos online that can help make exercise more fun this time of year! Queue up a holiday pilates challenge, dance workout, or yoga flow—whatever puts you in the spirit.
3. Healthy swaps
When we’re busy around the holidays, it’s all too easy to indulge here, skip a meal here, and otherwise feel like you’re yo-yoing around. Having some healthy swaps around for parties or errands can help you get more nutrients in the midst of the indulgent festive season.
Gluten-free flours, sugar-free sweeteners, non-alcoholic cocktails, and good-for-you snacks can all be great swaps to stock in your kitchen this season. Switching to half-caff or decaf in your coffee ritual can also help you curb extra stress over the holidays. Try swapping greasy and fried tortilla or potato chips for Kibo Chickpea Chips to offer with your favorite dip when hosting family and friends.
3. The power of protein
Not only is protein satiating, it can also help balance blood sugar so you can avoid the energy crash after a big meal. To power through the holidays with plenty of protein, try our Lentil Chips, Chickpea Chips, and Veggie Crunch Chips, with 6-7 grams of plant-based protein per serving!
4. Phone turned off
The holidays involve a lot of coordinating, so if you’re trying to avoid spending too much time on your phone, it might be a good idea to start conversations about travel, gift exchanges, menus and events over email instead of text. To avoid doom scrolling, this might also be a good time to pick up some print media instead of consuming your news on TV or social apps.
5. Manageable expectations
Over the holidays it’s natural to want to say yes to all kinds of fun traditions—multiple White Elephant gift exchanges, craft nights, cookie swaps, and potlucks. But try and only commit yourself to what’s realistic. Your threshold for activities may be different from others in your circle, and that’s okay: choose a few focal events and embrace them with your whole heart!
→ That goes for dishes, too. Even if you’re hosting the holiday party this year, it doesn’t mean you have to cover all the bases yourself. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Ask for what you need on the invitation (“Bring a side!” or “Potluck at my place!” or “Gift exchange limit = $25) so your guests know what to expect before they RSVP.
→ Not up to hectic holiday shopping this year? In case you needed this permission, know that every family can do things differently! If you want to opt out of gift giving, talk to your family about other ways you can celebrate together. Maybe it’s a book swap, a baking day, or another type of experience you can enjoy.
These tips can help you enjoy a healthy holiday tuning into your family and loved ones instead of tuning the dial way up on stress. Want some easy holiday recipes? Be sure to follow us on social for fuss-free, nutritious and delicious ideas, and let us know how your holidays go by tagging or messaging us @kibofoods!
