Winter Well-being

Winter and the concurrent holiday season can be a challenging time of year to keep up on personal wellness, for a variety of reasons.

The cold and relative darkness can affect motivation, mindset and other aspects of mental wellness, with the potential to affect physical health. The temptation to overindulge in holiday feasts and treats can throw people off their game when it comes to dietary discipline. And the sometimes frenetic pace and financial stress that can result from real and perceived obligations can steal peace of mind and intrude on self-care.

Here are a few tips that may help steady the ship during winter’s chill.

Eating

Exercise portion control by enjoy holiday meals and treats in moderation. Using smaller plates and bowls can help manage portion sizes, and is important to exercise self-control and mindfulness to resist, which can help prevent overeating and overindulging in sugary and alcoholic beverages

Proper hydration is crucial because water consumption can help control hunger. Drink a glass of water with every meal and, if imbibing in holiday spirits, sip on water between beverages.

Mental Health

The lack of sunlight and ample supply of cold weather during winter can have deleterious effects on mental health — for some people more than others. This can make maintaining exercise programs and self-care more challenging, which makes resilience, willpower and transcending the environmental factors among the keys to beating the winter slog.

Many people have a predetermined idea of the ideal holidays. However, this can and often does lead to a letdown. Avoid setting overly ambitious goals or expectations for yourself and others, and focus on can realistically be achieved to enjoy the season without self-imposed pressures.

Incorporating mindfulness, meditation or relaxation techniques into a daily routine. Ten to 15 minutes a day of deep breathing exercises or yoga may help reduce anxiety and trigger a mental reset.

Financial Wellness

Outline the total budget for the holiday season, including gifts, decorations, food and travel expenses. Establish a maximum spending limit and adhere to it, and don’t feel obligated to spend a specific amount on a particular person or persons. Spending should be self-determined.

When it comes to spending outside the realm of gifts, it may be a good idea to cut back on non-essential expenditures. Avoid dining out or catering by preparing meals at home, and shop for groceries with a list to buy only what is needed and to avoid impulse buys.