Organize your way to a stress-free holiday season.

The holidays can be a magical time, filled with joy and peace. The days might be a little shorter now, but they’re filled to the brim with festive music, lighted trees, and all the nostalgic movies your Netflix queue can hold.

Yet, amid all of the merry-making, a fast-paced hustle and bustle can also accompany this season. Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by the presents to buy, cards to address, and plans to make?

As we round the corner into a new year, there are a few ways you can make this season as enjoyable and relaxing as it was meant to be. Let’s take a look at 6 tips that can keep you healthy and happy in the weeks to come.

1. Get plenty of rest.

You might be tempted to burn the midnight oil at this time of year. There seem to be fewer hours in the day, and the night time might be the only part of the day when you can really hone in on your to-do list.

Yet, skipping sleep can make it more difficult to function properly at all, let alone tackle the growing number of tasks you need to accomplish. Make it a point to get at least seven hours of deep, restorative sleep each night, and you’ll wake up feeling ready to embrace the day.

Having a hard time drifting off? It helps to unplug and turn off all screens at least two hours before bedtime to allow your body to relax and settle down.

2. Try new, healthy recipes.

There’s no time like the holidays to break open the cookbooks or hop online and find new family favorites! Yet, many of these traditional dishes are laden with ingredients that can take you from hungry to uncomfortably stuffed in just a few minutes.

If you’re gearing up for a family celebration, consider bringing one of these 10 healthy finger foods instead, which are rich and hearty enough to feed a crowd. From cornbread-baked chicken fingers to low-carb mozzarella sticks, there are plenty of easy and nutritious substitutes that taste surprisingly similar to the comfort foods you’ve come to expect. These healthy holiday treats will be a hit, and no one will suspect they’re not as indulgent as they taste.

3. Engage in light exercise.

No, you don’t have to use this downtime to train for a marathon or take up a new sport, yet it does feel great to bundle up, head outdoors, and get moving a little. Doing so can improve your circulation, clear your mind, and even help alleviate some of the stress you might be feeling.

If the weather is good, gather the crew and go on a flat, easy bike ride or plan a short local hike that will reward you with a beautiful view at the end. Consider the ages and abilities of everyone in your family, and find an outdoor activity that everyone can enjoy together. If you’re not sure where to start, visit your town’s parks and recreation website. You’ll find links to local parks, nature preserves, and walking trails nearby.

4. Find a stress reliever.

It’s easy to allow stress and anxiety to override the happiness that the holidays can bring. If you’re feeling pushed to your limit, look for an outlet that allows you to relax and refocus your energy.

For some, this might mean engaging in a five-minute meditation each morning. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, mobile apps like Calm can help guide you through the practice.

Others might find stress relief in nature, taking a solo walk to clear their head or you may discover that listening to your favorite songs helps. Either way, try to set aside some time each day to nurture your mental and emotional health.

5. Make a plan.

If things are feeling a little out of control, it can help to write everything down and make a plan for how you’d like the next few weeks to go. This might mean detailing your family visitation schedule, fine-tuning your gift list, or creating a grocery list for all of the meals you intend to make. Simply putting everything down on paper is often enough to help bring clarity to any areas of confusion. Plus, you’ll feel calmer and more at ease as the countdown gets closer.

6. Don’t neglect your dental care.

Of course, we’ll also mention that while you’re relaxing and indulging during the holidays, it’s still important to stay on top of your dental health routine. This goes for everyone in your family, including your littlest ones!

Don’t forget to brush and floss twice a day to keep your smile in picture-perfect form for all those special snapshots you’ll be taking. This is especially important due to all the sugary sweets that tend to become more popular around the holidays! Clean teeth and gums can help make you and your children feel healthier from the inside out, so you can feel your best for all the festivities. If you need to visit our office for any reason, our team is here to help.

Have a healthy, happy holiday and new year.

Before you know it, the busyness that envelops the holiday season will be a memory, giving way to a new year full of exciting possibilities.

While these next few weeks might feel a little overwhelming, these tips can help you enjoy healthy holidays and embrace everything that this season has to offer. As you take care of the planning, baking, and wrapping, don’t forget to take a little time for yourself, too. Eat well, exercise lightly, and get plenty of rest so you can feel your best.

After all, there’s no time like the present to breathe deep, stretch high, and smile wide. Our dental family is here for yours, and we know how hectic this time of year can be. Get in touch today to schedule dental services for your children and give them a gift they’ll appreciate for life.