7 healthy holiday traditions you can start right now

7 healthy holiday traditions you can start right now7 healthy holiday traditions you can start right nowThe holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it definitely isnt always the healthiest. During this season steeped in indulgence, many of our favorite traditions make choosing healthy options difficult. You cant pass up Grandmas apple pie or your sisters homemadeeggnog, after all, or neglect to sit throughA Christmas Storyfor the umpteenth time. So although theres nothing wrong with digging into your favorite dessert or lounging through a holidaymovie marathon, why not add some healthier traditions into the mix too? Youll counterbalance some of the seasons excesses - and make it a bit easier to get back to regular life come January. Not sure what it would look like to start a healthy holiday habit? Dont worry, were not talking about replacing your cookie exchange with a kale salad competition Here are seven easy ideas to shake it up this season.1. Try a fun ru nHoliday fun runs go by many names - turkey trot, jingle jog, Hannukah hot chocolate run - but no matter the title, the concept remains the same. On a day when youre likely to feast, its a good idea to start with some activity. Even if a fun run doesnt take distributions-mix on an actual holiday, training to participate in a 5K, 10K, or other distance race can keep you working out regularly. Choose a run that supports a cause you care about and make it an annual affair2. Start a family fitness traditionBaby, its cold outside - but that doesnt mean you cant work in some heart-pounding exercise. Depending on where you live, you might establish a yearly post-present hike, a sledding stint on New Years Eve, or just a neighborhood walk after Christmas dinner (caroling not required). Alternatively, stay the fitness course all season long by challenging a friend or family member to a steps competition throughout December.3. Add a healthy recipe to your repertoireHave you perfected the a rt of thesugar cookieor nailed the greatest pot roast? Maybe its time to let your cooking prowess shine in other areas too. Especially if youre headed to a gathering you know wont have many healthy offerings, be the one to bring a tasty, good-for-you dish. Revel in your new reputation as theSalad MasterorQuinoa Queen.4.Give backFor many of us, the struggle for holiday well-being is as much about mental health as physical health. One proven means of boosting good vibes is to give of your time to others. Why not make volunteering an annual commitment? Serve at a food pantry, donate to a womens shelter, or visit older folks at a nursing home. You may find yourself looking forward to this activity even mora than the usual cookie baking and light display viewing. Plus, you might even make some new friends in the process.5. Keep a holiday gratitude journalThanksgiving may have come and gone, but thats no reason to cease counting your blessings. Grab a blankjournaland jot down a handful of things youre thankful for every few days. Youll experience thehealth benefits of gratitude- and finish the year with a record of all the great memories you made throughout the season.6. Take a social media breakWhat, take a social media break when you could be posting your cutest Christmas party photos on Instagram? Yep. Overwhelmingresearchreveals that our favorite online platforms actually do more harm than good for our mental health. Comparing ourselves to others leads to feelings of inadequacy, while FOMO (fear of missing out) makes us high-strung and anxious. Saying a temporary sayonara to social media can allow you to focus on your own experience of the holidays, instead of feeling envious of someone elses.7. Host a healthy New Years brunchWhether or not you hit your health goals during the holidays, you can leise ring in the new year right. A healthy New Years brunch with friends may be just the thing to start fresh in January. Invite attendees to bring their favorite dishe s for a healthy potluck meal and to share resolutions. You might even make a commitment to follow up with each other every month. Its one tradition that could help you (and your besties) stay healthy all year long.This article was originally published on Brit + Co.