The importance of a healthy lifestyle over the holiday season

While December can be a time for celebration and enjoyment, it’s also easy to indulge in unhealthy habits that can have negative effects on your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are some reasons why maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holidays, including Christmas, is important:

1. Nutritional balance: The holiday season often brings a plethora of tempting, high-calorie foods and treats. While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet to ensure you get essential nutrients and avoid excessive calorie intake.

2. Weight management: Overindulging in rich, calorie-laden foods and drinks can lead to weight gain. Being mindful of portion sizes and making healthier food choices can help you manage your weight and prevent the need for post-holiday dieting.

3. Energy levels: A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, contributes to sustained energy levels. Staying physically active, even during the holidays, can help combat fatigue and keep you feeling more energised.

4. Stress reduction: The holiday season can be stressful for various reasons, including travel, social obligations, and financial pressures. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones can help maintain both mental and physical wellbeing.

5. Immune system support: Winter is often associated with an increased risk of illness. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep contribute to a strong immune system, helping you fend off common winter ailments.

6. Mental wellbeing: A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just involve physical health; it’s also crucial for mental wellbeing. Adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and physical activity have been linked to improved mood and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

7. Social connection: The holidays are a time for socialising and spending time with loved ones. Engaging in activities that promote social connection, such as group exercises or outdoor activities, can contribute to a sense of belonging and happiness.

8. Long-term health: Healthy habits established during the holidays can have long-term benefits. Adopting a balanced lifestyle contributes to overall health and can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

9. Setting a positive example: If you have children or are part of a larger family, maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holidays sets a positive example for others. Encouraging healthy habits in your social circle can create a supportive environment for everyone.

What’s more, a healthy lifestyle is essential to minimising the spread of illness both in and outside of the workplace. A balanced diet, regular exercise, fresh air and low stress levels all contribute to a physically and mentally health workforce.

Employers can encourage and support all of this good behaviour by setting good examples from the top down, providing information sheets and insightful materials advising employees on best health practice. Here’s how managers can support their teams over the holiday season:

Flexible schedules – offer flexible work hours or allow employees to work remotely when feasible and consider compressed workweeks or shorter workdays to accommodate holiday commitments.
Time off – encourage employees to take their accrued vacation time. Consider offering additional paid time off or half-days during the holiday season.
Recognition and appreciation – show appreciation for employees’ hard work throughout the year. Consider holiday bonuses or small tokens of appreciation.
Workload management – be mindful of workload and deadlines, especially leading up to holidays. Distribute tasks evenly to prevent undue stress on any particular employee.
Wellness programs – provide access to wellness programs, workshops, or webinars that focus on stress management, nutrition, and overall wellbeing. Consider offering gym memberships or fitness classes to support physical health.
Mental health support – promote mental health awareness and provide resources for counselling or therapy. Create a stigma-free environment for employees to discuss mental health concerns.
Team-building activities – organise team-building activities or social events to boost morale and camaraderie.
Health Initiatives – implement health challenges or initiatives, such as step challenges or mindfulness programs.
Communication and expectations – clearly communicate expectations regarding work during the holiday season. Encourage open communication so employees feel comfortable discussing any challenges they may face.
Family support – acknowledge and support the importance of family time during the holidays. Consider family-friendly policies, such as allowing parents to attend school events or prioritising flexible schedules for family commitments.
Financial wellbeing – provide resources or workshops on financial wellbeing and budgeting, which can be particularly relevant during the holiday season. Consider offering financial planning services or seminars.

By taking these steps, employers and team managers can contribute to a positive work culture and demonstrate a commitment to the wellbeing of their employees, fostering a more engaged and satisfied workforce over the holiday season.