I think we can all agree that the holiday season is a time to relax, have fun, eat and repeat. Of course, you cannot miss the amazingly cooked food or a glass of wine every night you and your family sit for dinner. Neither can you ignore the fact that the holidays become an excuse to stay away from the fitness goals? So, will you blame the parties, the stress-free environment, or the food items that you cannot resist? Whatever may come, the idea of staying fit should not go down the drain. You have to give at least 30 minutes to your health. If you cannot afford 30 minutes, here are different ways to keep you healthy during this festive season. 

Track your steps 

Ask yourself, how many steps do you need to stay fit? According to a study a healthy adult can take anywhere between 4,000 to 18,000 steps a day. Of course, holidays will somehow restrict you from walking ten miles a day. So, we have to cut it down to a 10, 000 steps for you. Which, in turn, is equal to five miles. Though I am not asking you to walk five miles every day. Because I understand that holidays are a time to stick to the joys of life. This is why you have to keep a track of all the steps you take. You can do that with the help of a smart-watch or simply by noticing the time period for which you were physically active. 

Look for a window of work-out opportunity

So, last year I made a resolution. I was determined to work-out and go to the gym regularly. But turns out that every time I went out for a party, on an excursion, or the holiday season was around. My mind wandered in different directions and I used all the above-stated reasons as an excuse to delay my morning work-out routine. As a result of this, I could not achieve the desired fitness goal. In fact, I ended up complaining and cribbing about the fact the gym routine is not working for me. 

So, to make sure that the same doesn’t happen again, this year I decided to find a window of opportunity. After all, a good thirty-minute work-out will help you stay relaxed and fit. Similarly, you can look for an opportunity and grab it as soon as it arrives. Instead of waking up late in the morning. Get up an hour early. Exercise for a good thirty minutes, go for a run or do yoga. The choice rests on you but set your fitness priorities straight.

Don’t compromise your sleep

Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise. We often hear this quote but never follow it. The only way to get up early in the morning is if you sleep on time. I understand that the temptation to stay up at night is unavoidable. But the first step that hinders your workout is sleep deprivation. So, how about planning a schedule. I am not asking you to go off to bed as early as 8:00 P.M. but you should be in bed before the first-midnight strike. Just like Cinderella! A good seven to eight hours of sleep will help you stay fit. 

Plus it is noteworthy that sleep deprivation leads to irritability. I am sure a holiday filled with irritation is not what you planned for. So keep mind that to maintain the spirit of the holiday and your health you have to take a good night’s sleep. Now, go ahead and plan everything accordingly. 

Stay hydrated

Hydration will go a long way. 70 percent of the human body is made up of water. So, make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of water in a day, especially one hour before or after a meal. This, in turn, will help you consume less food. You also have to note that sometimes the mind can confuse thirst for hunger. This is the reason why doctors suggest you drink big glasses of water after a rich meal. Now, grab a bottle of water and then head out. 

Avoid alcohol and temptation

There are plenty of reasons to be tempted. The buffet table laid in the backyard of your house or a dining table with your favorite food items are a big distraction. Though I do not advise you to have a bowl of cereal while the table is laid with delicious food items. You can splurge on the items but with a plan in mind. For example, a two-day party loaded with food and alcohol is a deadly combination. Try to pick one and add restrictions to the next one. Like eat healthy salad and leave the alcohol aside. 

The holidays will be filled with a series of occasions. You will catch up with friends, go out with friends, drink a couple of beers, but excessive drinking is one of the reasons why people add on weight. Therefore limit yourself to a drink or two and keep the next day work-out routine in mind before the coming festivities presume. These are some of the simple tips that will help you stay healthy. Now, go ahead and have a good time. Happy Holidays!