Waking Up with Dignity on December 26

This time of year, it’s understandable to have mixed feelings. It’s exciting to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, to look forward to presents that will be coming your way, and to picture your loved ones joyfully opening the gifts you’ve given them.

But holiday expectations can go both ways. While we hope for fun and connection, we also may be concerned about conflicts that arise when extended family gets together. For people without Norman Rockwell families or those who are single, the holidays can bring up increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety. We may imagine everyone else is out having fun with their partner or family, especially if we spend a lot of time on social media—and put pressure on ourselves to make plans.

If we have been invited to parties—especially for those of us with food and body image issues—we may worry about how we look, what to wear, and how to manage our weight when surrounded by colorful Christmas cookies, Chanukah latkes, and a sea of alcohol. While all of these things can be difficult, they don’t have to derail us.

So how do I get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds?

Plan Ahead

If you are going to visit family or close friends, you may consider asking what’s on the menu, in the context of inquiring what you can bring. That way you won’t be blindsided by what you see when you get there, and you can make sure to bring something that you are comfortable eating.

Don’t Give Up on Your Routine

Try to avoid getting caught up in a “holiday week of eating,” with the assumption you will start your diet on January 1. Frequently, the “holiday week” results in an extra five pounds that you will have to take off in January, making it even harder to achieve your goal.  Instead, set yourself up for success in 2025 by maintaining a routine of healthy eating, movement, and meditation in December.

Lower Your Expectations

Remember “progress not perfection,” when trying to maintain your exercise/eating regimen. Try to accept that you may not be able to keep up your routine perfectly, but even a little bit of good self-care, can set you on a positive path.

Envision December 26

Often people think, “well, I can eat whatever I want today because it is a holiday,” but then hate themselves on December 26. Instead of falling into that trap, imagine yourself waking up on December 26 feeling good about yourself. Picture yourself having made good food choices the day before and having kept up your exercise regimen.  Imagine feeling more comfortable in your body, energized, and self-confident as you move toward January 1.

Happy Holidays!