As we brace ourselves for the holiday onslaught of to-do, must-do and when-will-I-do-it lists, I’m offering this simple phrase to help make your season bright: Put the “you” in yuletide. In other words, as you shop, cook and clean, remember to set aside some time to enjoy the season. Don’t just make it memorable for everyone else, but also show goodwill toward yourself in order to put joy in your heart. To help you get in the self-love spirit, I wrote these healthy spins on classic Christmas carols:
“Staying Well” (sung to the tune of “Jingle Bells”)
Dashing through the stores Stomach growling all the way
There’s still so much to do
And no time left to play
A massage would be quite nice
And a salad would be grand
But if the lines mean you must wait, healthy habits might be canned
So, take good care Be aware
Don’t be a health Grinch
Not eating well and moving less can make your body flinch
Eat some greens
Schedule in some rest
Give yourself the gift of health and say bye to your stress
“The 12 Days of Wish-Mas” (sung to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas”)
What’s on your wish list for this year? Being stronger or having energy that lasts longer? Establishing a healthier food repertoire? Finally taming your stress and reclaiming better sleep? If you’ve said yes to some or all of these goals, make sure you list-check twice to figure out how you’re going to be nice to your body this holiday season. Food and sleep deprivation and being on the go until your body says no make you a self-Scrooge. Holidays are a time for reaching out, inviting others in and extending well wishes to all — including yourself.
[See: Holiday Vices: How to Have Fun Without Overdoing It.]
As we count down the days until the end of the year, consider what’s on your 12 days of Wish-mas list. Maybe it’s making your own rules or finding your best fuel. Don’t feel you need to be a trend-spotter when it comes to food and fitness choices. Instead, aim for flexibility in your plan to achieve long-term success. Then, sing this verse (or your own version of it) to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas:”
On the last day of Wish-mas my body says to me I just want real food
Not more Sriracha
Must I eat cleanly?
Please no more sitting
I need some sleep now
Can you stop stressing?
What can I eat?
Must I eat “free-from?”
I like carbs
This is too insane
I just can’t do one more kale smoothie!
“Take the Time to Make Your Season Grand” (sung to to the tune of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”)
Winter hibernation means that sometimes, good intentions take a vacation. But there’s no need to sit in a chair or say farewell to fruits and veggies until the spring farmers markets open. You can bring your outdoor workout in or heat and eat your vegetables to get color on your plate other than the sprinkles on Christmas cookies.
[See: 11 Winter Produce Picks That Pack a Health Wallop.]
And, you can sing this version of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” to make this season a time to recover and discover a healthier you:
Walking shoes By the front door
Must you do more?
Find the delight
In nourishing bites
Healthy selfie — isn’t that just grand?
Want a treat? How exciting
What’s to eat?
That’s delighting
Meals that engage
Take center stage
Healthy-selfie — isn’t that just grand?
Program in some “put your feet up down time” Find the things that make you feel quite glad
Being too exhausted is a health crime
The only thing that does is make you sad
Have a plan for this season Take a stand; no self-treason
Please find your “do,” and time to renew
Healthy-selfie — isn’t that just grand?
[See: How to Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday.]
Fun, food, family and fitness are all reasons this season can be pleasin’ to you and your loved ones. Happy Holidays.
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Sing These Twists on Holiday Carols to Stay Healthy originally appeared on usnews.com
