Yahoo Lifestyle 
How to focus on your health and wellbeing during the holidays
It’s Christmas 2021 and Lord, if there was ever a year we deserved to eat, drink and be merry, it’s this one.
After a rough year, who wouldn’t take advantage of those half-priced Quality Street octagonal treasure boxes your Nan will inevitably turn into a sewing kit, long after the last toffee penny has been spent? Plus the ham, the prawns, the pavs.
But we know Christmas - especially this year - can be a stressful time, and if you're someone who has found a good health and fitness routine over the past few months you might be worried about 'falling off the wagon'.
First up, let us tell you - DON'T BE - there is nothing worse than feeling guilty for simply enjoying your life. Nothing bad is going to happen even if you'll damn well be enjoying all those tantalisingly delicious morsels. PERIOD.
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There are a few ways you can still make your health, fitness and wellbeing a priority during this busy time of year. Sports performance dietician and MACROS food specialist Gabby Ward tells Yahoo Lifestyle at the end of the day it all comes down to balance.
Here are some of her tips on how exactly to implement it:
Stay active
Many of us have started fitness routines as we head out of lockdown and the sweatpants come off, but the holiday season often leaves no time for workouts as we buy presents, plan the Christmas menu and socialise.
Gabby says you can enjoy the silly season and maintain your fitness goals.
“I find that sticking to goals is purely about making them habits,” she said.
“During busy periods, exercise tends to be the activity we push to the back of the to-do list. Make it a priority!”
Keep it simple
And to help with that, the next step is keeping things simple.
“Staying active also doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” Gabby says.
“A simple walk with friends or following along to a 20-minute workout on YouTube are two very easy and convenient ways to get your body moving.
“If not having enough time is what you’re worried about, then try setting your alarm an hour earlier to start your day off with some exercise.”
Prioritise your wellbeing
Particularly during this extra stressful time of year, Gabby says it's so important to prioritise yourself.
“Whether it’s watching a Christmas movie, going for a solo walk or soaking in a bubble bath, we need time to ourselves to recharge during such peak social periods,” she says.
“Secondly, ensure you’re getting enough sleep, in order to maintain a healthy mindset.
“Feeling overly tired and burnt out will only make your holiday season a more stressful one.”
Gabby’s final hack is to “be prepared”.
“Brands like MACROS can support your wellness goals, thanks to a variety of freshly made, dietitian-approved meal plans that suit your fitness goals - a great way to support your health goals when you’re low on time or simply wanting to relax more with family and friends.”
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