Forget the Apple Watch — what tops every grown-up’s wish list is a Christmas without stress. But it’s hard to find some peace on Earth when the kids are home from school, the in-laws are yapping, the party invites are piling up, and the oven is always on.
Sure, there’s plenty of merriment to go around, but everyone knows the holidays aren’t just fun and reindeer games.
Heed this expert advice for surviving the season.
1. Wear something form-fitting.
You’ll be less inclined to hit the eggnog if you’re wearing a tight dress that hugs your figure, says NYC nutritionist Keri Gans, author of “The Small Change Diet.”
2. Be style-savvy.
A bold shade of lipstick may convince you to step away from the snack table, says Gans — no fear of smudging! And ditch the carry-all for a clutch, which will keep your hands occupied.
3. Pop a multivitamin.
Between the crumb cake and the cookies for Santa, it’s easy for your body to take a nutritional beating. Taking a multivitamin is “a way to ensure you’re not skipping out” on any nutrients, says Alycea Ungaro, celebrity trainer and owner of Real Pilates, which has locations in Soho and Tribeca.
4. Avoid injuries.
Focus during meal prep: Most kitchen injuries happen when you’re distracted, says Dr. Mark Melrose, an emergency physician for GoHealth Urgent Care. Concentrate on the task at hand so you don’t wind up cutting or burning yourself. And if you have the unfortunate task of shoveling the driveway, avoid throwing your back out by bending at the knees, not at the waist, Melrose advises.
5. Feel your feelings.
If it’s your first holiday after a loved one has passed away, it’s OK to feel sad. Dr. Carol Bernstein, an associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at NYU Langone Medical Center, suggests coming up with a ritual to honor the person’s memory.
6. Nosh before a bash.
Have a filling snack before you hit those holiday parties. “This way you’re less tempted to grab the first hors d’oeuvre that passes by,” suggests Gans. It should be something low in sugar and high in fiber and protein — Gans recommends a handful of almonds, a piece of fruit or a Kind bar.
7. Avoid heavy meals a few hours before bed.
Stop eating at parties by 9 p.m. — snacking before bed can cause heartburn, which disrupts sleep, says Dr. Nathaniel Watson, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
8. Don’t forget about yourself.
“My clients forget to take time and check in to see where they are,” says Ungaro. Carve out time for activities you enjoy — like watching a Christmas movie — otherwise, you won’t be able to give of yourself during the season.
9. Try to let go of perfection.
At the end of the day, casseroles burn, families fight, and nothing ever looks as good in real life as it does on Pinterest. “What’s fundamental is how they react in those times and what they can do to help themselves feel better,” says Bernstein. “We always say that humor is a high-level defense. So, when the casserole burns, a good joke can really help to ease the tension. After all, it is only food.”
10. Pick and choose your indulgences.
It’s tempting to hit the bread basket, the bar and the cookie tray in one day, but “you have to make choices,” Gans says. “If it’s a cookie I really want today, maybe I’m having one less drink that night.” The idea works on a grander scale, too: If you have back-to-back festivities, choose just one to let loose at.
11. Don’t sweat it.
You don’t have to work up a sweat every day to see the benefits of a good workout. “You can see results so quickly with short, targeted exercises,” Ungaro says. One of her favorites: planks, which sculpt the whole body and can be done anywhere. Aim for 30 seconds, and work your way up to two minutes. Squeeze some in between regular household chores. Ungaro likes to do hers between loading the dishwasher and doing laundry.
12. And after the holidays, settle in for a (short) winter’s nap.
Don’t even think about making returns the day after Christmas. Take a 10- to 15-minute snooze between 2 and 3 p.m. instead, says Watson. “That gives you enough sleep to provide the same level of alertness as longer naps,” he says — without the grogginess.
