Positive thinking can help manage stress, boost self-esteem, and improve overall well-being. This holiday season, focus on meaningful connections with loved ones, prioritize self-care, and set realistic expectations to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Incorporate physical activities that feel enjoyable into your daily routine. Exercise is an effective stress reliever, and any amount of movement counts! Make a commitment to include a variety of healthy activities, such as going for a short walk, doing active chores around the house, dancing, or trying low-impact movements like stretching, walking in place, or gentle arm circles. Remember to listen to your body and stop any activity that causes pain.

Relaxation is a process that reduces the impact of stress on your mind and body. Make time to unwind this holiday season and engage in activities that promote relaxation. Consider taking a nap, meditating, eating nourishing food, reading a book, lighting candles, listening to music, or watching your favorite movie.

Total Time: 10 minutes 

Yield: 12 Kabobs 

Ingredients 

• 24 grape tomatoes
• 12 cherry-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls
• 24 fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Directions 

1. On each of 12 appetizer skewers, alternately thread 2 tomatoes, 1 cheese ball and 2 basil leaves.
2. Whisk olive oil and vinegar; drizzle over kabobs.

Nutrition Facts 

1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/caprese-salad-kabobs 

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• Add more vegetables to appetizer plates.
• Have a healthy snack before attending holiday parties. A snack before the gathering can prevent overeating at the party
• Stay hydrated! Remember to drink throughout the day.
• Choose beverages wisely. Limit intake of high calorie, sugar sweetened drinks and alcohol. Choose water, seltzer, and unsweetened beverages. Make a mocktail with seltzer and 100% cranberry juice or fruit slices.
• Enjoy your holiday meal! Slow down and savor each bite. Eating more slowly can help with digestion and prevent overeating.

Gathering and sharing meals with family and friends is part of many holiday celebrations. It is important to practice food safety all year long including holidays and special occasions. Follow these tips to help prevent food borne illness:

• Wash hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after meal preparation, and before eating

• Thaw food safely in the refrigerator inside of a container or sealed plastic bags to prevent juices from leaking onto other food or in the microwave. Never thaw food by leaving it out at room temperature. When left at room temperature, bacteria can grow rapidly.
• Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs away from cooked or fresh ready to eat foods. Use separate cutting boards for raw animal meat products.
• Wash cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils in hot soapy water after each use.
• Use a thermometer and cook food to safe internal temperatures to kill bacteria that can cause food borne illness.

• Keep foods at safe temperatures during transport and service. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Keep leftovers safe. Refrigerate or freeze perishable leftovers in small portions within 2 hours of cooking.
• Reheat all leftovers to at least 165 degrees before serving.
• Freeze or discard refrigerated leftovers that can’t be eaten within 3 to 4 days.

It can be daunting to think about achieving a large goal. Set yourself up for success by breaking it down into more manageable steps. This approach makes your goals feel more attainable and helps you progress consistently.