Special occasions are what make life, well, special! Birthdays, anniversaries, Easter and of course Christmas. You get to put up decorations and enjoy togetherness where we can enjoy sharing and celebration, but these can also be times when healthy habits are forgotten. Between all of the rich meals, sweet treats and late nights it is very easy to lose balance. But enjoying your special occasions and life events doesn't mean giving up on feeling good. With a little care, you can celebrate and stay healthy too. Here are some ways to go about it!
Food
One of the joys of any special occasion the food! Food will always brings people together around the table as its so deeply rooted in tradition and culture. You might have everything from roast dinners to buffet lunches and puddings being served up. There's just so much to enjoy and shops always are filled with delicious things to buy. But eating well doesn't have to mean eating too much. Don't feel like you have to go all out for every meal, if you know you have a few big lunches and occasions planned then you could keep it simple for breakfast and supper on those days. Don't pass up the fresh salads and roasted vegetables that are on offer as these are tasty and also bring balance to the meal.
Drinks
Drinks are another part of the celebration during special occasions- hot chocolate, fizzy sodas, luxurious coffees with all of the syrup and cream trimmings! While it is fun to enjoy these treats, drinking water throughout the day can help you feel your best. Staying hydrated keeps you energized and helps balance out sugary drinks. The same is true of smoking- while this isn't healthy, if you do intend on having a smoke on a special occasion then choose high quality like fronto leaf products. See it as an occasional treat instead of an everyday thing that way you can enjoy yourself and still stay healthy.
Mental Health
Special occasions are often busy times. There's so much to do it can feel like there's no time to pause. But finding moments to rest is important- sitting quietly with a cup of tea, reading a book, or going for a gentle walk can all help. Spending time with loved ones is one of the best parts of enjoying a special occasion. Laughing, sharing stories, and making memories bring a kind of joy that nothing else can match. Being present in these moments is more important than having everything perfect. Unfortunately not everyone feels cheerful during the big events in the year, it can be a time of loneliness or pressure. You might have recently experienced loss, a breakup or divorce or other major life event thats changing the way you feel about any special occasions this year and thats ok. Focus on what makes you happy and comfortable, not every year will look the same and it's ok to opt out of certain parts of the season that don't resonate with you right now. This might mean saying no to some invitations or creating your own small traditions. There is no one right way to celebrate. If you're struggling, reach out and get the help you need by calling a helpline, your GP or talking to loved ones.
