Healthy Holidays – Savour the Moment

Tips to Savour the Moment During the Holidays

• Savour...Food
  It’s no secret that the holiday season is very food-centric! Delicious dishes, baked goods, and multi-course meals, often leading up to and throughout the holidays. When is the last time you truly savoured your meal? Your snack? Your coffee/tea? This can be very challenging with so many competing priorities. Rest assured, it is possible if you put your mind to it using the few tips below:

  • Remember, there are no foods on the “naughty list”, but being mindful about what we eat can make a big difference. If it’s your favourite treat, take time to enjoy it!  
  • Be aware of the “what, where, when, why and how” when it comes to eating. This can help you reconnect to the eating experience  
  • Be adventurous – try something new! Eat with all your senses. Notice the colours, smells, flavours and textures. 
  • Plan ahead: 
    • To keep your energy levels steady, eat a light snack before setting out to a party to curb hunger to avoid being famished and eating too much, too quickly.
    • Avoid skipping meals to “save up” for the feast, as you may be more likely to overeat and feel uncomfortable after.
    • Be strategic with the buffet: 
      • Choose a smaller plate
      • Check out all the food options and optimize your plate with your holiday favourites rather than piling everything on. 
      • Fill up half your plate with veggies by putting them on your plate first
• Enjoy Movement in the Moment
  Stay active this holiday season: reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, maintain structure in your schedule, and lower your blood pressure. When it comes to being physically active, sometimes we may just see it as a “check in the box” without fully appreciating the activity itself. Maybe you walk the dog, or complete your usual workout on “autopilot” rather than being in the moment. Integrating mindful practices with movement can improve wellbeing by shifting your focus, maybe even bringing your workout to the next level! Try it out on your next movement break: Limit distractions, tune in to your senses, appreciate your surroundings, and enjoy nature. 

  
  Get Moving Indoors; no snowsuits required! 

  • CAF Fitness has you covered for virtual fitness classes wherever, whenever with the CAF Fitness workout playlist.  
  • Learn some dance moves for the holidays with ParticipACTION and the National Balllet School! Check out the ParticipACTION “Watch & Move” videos; there’s something for everyone! 
  • 15 fun ways to exercise at home with your family - ParticipACTION
  • 6 simple somatic exercises to sneak into your day-ParticipACTION

  Get Outdoors!

  Need some inspiration on what to do? Check out “free” (or nearly free) activities in the National Capital Region. Go skating on the “Rink of Dreams”, the Lansdowne Park skating court or the all-new synthetic skating rink in the ByWard Market. There are also several skating rinks in Gatineau as well as designated locations for sledding (depending on snow!).
  
  Get some steps in by walking along the pathway of lights between Ottawa and Gatineau for Winter Lights Across Canada. 
   
  Take advantage of the 150 kilometers of cross-country ski trails around the Ottawa area. Trail access is free. There is a vast network of cross-country ski, snowshoe and fat bike trails in the Gatineau Park accessible for a daily fee. Winter hiking is free on select trails. There are also some free trails for cross country skiing by the City of Gatineau, rentals available at a fee in select locations.     
• Take a Moment and Rethink Your Drink
  Drinking alcohol increases your health risks, however any reduction in alcohol consumption has benefits. Have you ever stopped to think about why you drink? Take a moment to reflect using the “Knowing Your Limits With Alcohol” guide. If you are considering reducing your alcohol consumption, remember you can do so in steps! 
  
  Hosting this holiday season? Keep celebrations enjoyable for everyone by respecting choices around alcohol, and reading up on “hosting know-how” to ensure you and your guests stay safe and have good time. Get creative and make your own mocktails as a delicious, fun alternative to alcoholic beverages on special occasions.  
• Make Room for Guilt-Free Rest and Relaxation
  Rest and relaxation are key to being at your best all year round. The holidays can bring out a range of emotions, some more difficult than others. Throughout the hustle and bustle, make space for adequate sleep, as sleep is one of the best gifts for yourself during the holiday season. Sleep can help you cope with holiday stress, difficult emotions, boost your energy, and ultimately helps you recharge your batteries. Protect your sleep, make it a priority. 
  
  If you’re looking to take a day to relax, if you’re short on sleep, or have some late nights coming up, you can recharge by taking an afternoon nap! Don’t let anyone (including yourself!) stop you from getting some well-deserved rest. Optimize your naps with some pro-tips from the experts at “Sleep On It Canada”.  
   
• Tap into Mindfulness to Help Manage Stress
  Shopping for groceries, gifts, cooking up a feast for a crowd, hosting, traveling, family visits, various parties and social events are all elements of the holidays that can be very stressful! Looking towards the holiday season, it can be helpful to understand what stress is, how to identify what the real issues are, and how to solve these problems. Stress is here to stay, however finding ways to better manage it can have positive impacts on your health and wellbeing. 

  • Find strategies that work for you to cope with the holiday stress. For example, taking a few moments to do some calm breathing is both practical and accessible anywhere, anytime.   
  • Certain social interactions may feel draining so make sure to spend time with people that energize you. Sometimes changing the scenery or participating in activities can be helpful too. For example, spending time in nature with close friends. 
  • Embrace moments of “me-time” to help you recharge, sometimes too much togetherness is overwhelming! 
  • Be mindful of over spending and finances by having a clear reason for purchases and making sure that your spending is in line with your values, goals. Need ideas for budgeting? Check out the SISIP article “8 ways to budget and manage your spending” or book an appointment with a SISIP representative.