Tis the season for sweet treats, Santa, colorful lights, carols, and joy. Tis also the season for burnout, fatigue, sickness, and overstimulation. As special of a time as it is, there is a lot going on during the holidays that can bring major stress to your life. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid getting stressed out so that you can embrace the joys of the season. Combat the holiday hustle and bustle by establishing these four key routines to keep your season stress-free.

Exercise
Start your day off right with a little exercise. Exercise will not only help you burn off some of the extra calories from those holiday cookies, but it will also increase your energy to keep up with the festivities and excited kids. Starting your day by getting your heart moving will wake you up, help you stay energized throughout the day, and promote a restful night of sleep. If exercise is foreign to you, no worries; it comes in many forms and intensities. In other words, there’s a type of exercise for everyone, so find one that works for you!

Nutrition
Just as important as exercise is what you put into your body. While the holiday season is not the time to restrict yourself from enjoying the yummy goodies, it’s also not the time to overindulge. If you can, make every attempt to strike the perfect balance. Ensure you are getting the right amount of vitamins from fruits and veggies. Eat legumes and meats for the right amount of protein. Start the day with a regular breakfast that is balanced in vitamins and minerals. The holiday season calls for time with family and friends, so enjoy more time around the table sharing in a well-portioned meal. Furthermore, a healthy diet can reduce your risk of attracting illnesses by maintaining a healthy immune system.

Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential to staying healthy, maintaining proper function of all your organs and muscles, and keeping a clear mind. While hot chocolate, eggnog, and specialty coffee drinks may be calling your name, counteract their dehydrating nature by drinking water and water-rich foods. A trick of the trade is to take your weight, turn it into ounces, and that’s how much water you should consume in a day. By staying hydrated you will see the following results:

• Better digestion
• Better circulation
• Hydrated skin
• Regulation of body temperature
• Reduced muscle fatigue
  

Sleep
While the little tykes in your home may be finding it hard to sleep as Santa’s impending arrival approaches, a peaceful and joyful holiday season hinges on getting a good night’s sleep. Try sticking to a set bedtime, while allowing for the occasional late night for a holiday party or movie marathon. While the darker and colder winter days may woo you into sleeping in longer, waking up at the same time every day creates healthy habits by establishing a regular schedule. Introduce lavender essential oils — either by rubbing the oil on your feet or diffusing it — to promote relaxation. Also, a sound machine can block out noises, and the steady sounds can help you drift off to dreamland. Getting solid sleep is how your mind and body recover from the day’s events, and it will energize you and help you conquer the next day.

Yes, the holidays can be the best time of the year, but they can also be the most stressful. Learn to balance the festivities and cheer with healthy routines so you can enjoy your time to the fullest. Remember to exercise, eat well, stay hydrated, and prioritize sleep. Not only will you be keeping up with those energetic kids, but you may also be outlasting them!