The holiday season often disrupts healthy routines due to travel, busy schedules, and family obligations, but experts emphasize that maintaining well-being during this time does not require perfection. According to Samantha Harden, an associate professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech, the key lies in managing expectations rather than aiming for an unattainable ideal.
Harden highlights that many individuals anticipate having ample time to establish healthy habits during the holidays. “We expect to have time off and be our ‘best selves’ when we step back from work and have all the space to create healthy routines,” she stated in a recent news release. This perception often leads to disappointment, as holiday activities can consume the time that people hoped to dedicate to their wellness.
Instead of waiting for the elusive “perfect” moment to restart healthy routines, Harden advises integrating healthy choices into existing holiday activities. She encourages people to look for simple ways to incorporate wellness into their celebrations.
Redefining Health During the Holidays
Harden also emphasizes that health extends beyond just exercise and nutrition. She identifies six key areas of well-being: happiness, mental and physical health, close social relationships, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and material and financial stability.
“Maybe during the holiday season, you’re putting less time or other resources into your physical well-being, but you’re putting more into your perception of close social relationships,” Harden explained. This perspective allows individuals to shift their focus from rigid expectations to more flexible and realistic goals.
Harden warns against adopting an all-or-nothing mindset when it comes to healthy habits. “During the holidays and always, don’t think of one meal, day, or season away from healthy habits means failure,” she advises. Recognizing that human experiences are inherently complex can help alleviate the pressure associated with maintaining a perfect lifestyle.
As the holiday season approaches, Harden’s insights serve as a reminder that balance is essential. Rather than viewing health as a binary state, she encourages individuals to appreciate the nuances of their well-being and to make adjustments that align with their personal circumstances.
For additional guidance on maintaining healthy eating during the holidays, Harvard Health provides a comprehensive list of tips designed to assist individuals in navigating festive meals while prioritizing their health.
By embracing a more manageable approach to wellness, individuals can enjoy the holiday season while also nurturing their physical and mental well-being.
