Stay On Top Of Your Holiday Game With These 5 Energy Boosting Tips

December is here and so are the festive holidays! Stress levels are most likely high, with energy levels taking a nosedive. As we try to stay above water, many of us look for a quick way to combat fatigue and turn to high caffeine beverages, like coffee and energy drinks. These types of beverages in the long run can make you feel worse and cause our systems to crash. This cycle of fatigue decreases our immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. To enjoy the festivities without feeling depleted or overindulged, try the following healthy tips to boost your energy and make your holidays bright.

• Stay hydrated. Dehydration can zap your energy levels. Drinking water is an easy and inexpensive fix – aim for at least 32 ounces daily and drink most of it during daylight hours to prevent middle of the night bathroom trips.
• Make the most of your mornings. Be an early riser and get your exercise in first thing, even if it’s only for a short time. Exercise and movement are important to fight off feelings of fatigue, lack of concentration and motivation. Follow this up with a healthy breakfast of protein, complex carbs and healthy fats. Not only will this keep you full until lunch, it will stabilize blood sugars that help maintain energy levels.
• Aim for balance. Plan your meals and snacks, allowing some wiggle room for treats. Skipping meals in anticipation of a party can lead to feelings of hunger and fatigue. Eating three nutrient dense meals, that include omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics and antioxidants, will help with satiety, support immunity and improve energy. Also, let go of the guilt and give yourself permission to enjoy holiday sweets in moderation.
• Limit alcohol. Alcohol might seem like a good idea at the time to get you in the holiday mood, however, the high will be short lived. Too much “merriment” can make you feel drowsy, impact sleep, and cause grogginess the next day. To feel refreshed and rested, set a limit to alcoholic drinks, sip on water in between cocktails, or stick with sparkling water and lime slices.
• Get adequate ZZZ’s. This is a necessity! It’s okay to say “no” to parties and commitments. Try to be more selective in your activities, power down electronics 1-2 hours before bedtime, stick to a sleep schedule, and include tryptophan boosting complex carbs at dinner to stimulate melatonin production and induce a restful night’s sleep.

Dawn Davoli, Registered Dietitian