The holiday season often disrupts healthy routines due to travel, busy schedules, and family gatherings. Experts, including Samantha Harden, an associate professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech, emphasize that maintaining wellness during this chaotic time does not demand perfection.
Harden explains that the real challenge lies not only in busy schedules but also in the high expectations people set for themselves. “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,” Harden stated in a recent news release. She cautions that this can lead to disappointment, as the time that seems available is often filled with various holiday activities, both enjoyable and burdensome.
Instead of waiting for an ideal moment to resume healthy habits, Harden recommends integrating wellness into regular holiday activities. This could be as simple as choosing healthier food options during family meals or incorporating physical activity into festive gatherings.
Broader Perspective on Well-Being
Harden encourages individuals to rethink health beyond just exercise and nutrition. She identifies six critical 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 noted. This shift in focus can contribute positively to overall well-being, suggesting that nurturing social connections during the holidays can be just as valuable as maintaining physical health.
Moreover, Harden advises against adopting an all-or-nothing mentality. “During the holidays and always, don’t think of one meal, day, or season away from healthy habits as failure,” she said. “An all-or-nothing approach does not work for most things—don’t let the act of being human become even harder by having expectations that don’t match your goals, behaviors, circumstances, or resources.”
As the holidays approach, individuals can benefit from a more flexible and forgiving approach to their health routines. For additional guidance, Harvard Health provides valuable tips for navigating holiday eating, promoting a balanced perspective during a time often associated with indulgence.
By adopting a mindset that values health in various forms, individuals can enjoy the holiday season without the pressure of perfection. Embracing this holistic view of well-being can help make the holidays a time for joy and connection rather than stress and guilt.
