The holidays are officially upon us! Time for cozy fires, warm sweaters, and spending time with family. It’s also time for parties, shopping and copious amounts of food. While I love this time of year for all its good cheer, I also find it a difficult time to focus on self care and feeling my best. So let’s talk balancing health and cheer this holiday season.

There’s no need to deprive ourselves, as it goes against the feelings of abundance and gratitude that the season brings.  But for some of us, all it takes is a few extra cookies or glasses of wine to knock us down and remind us how important our health care routines are. Staying present and aware of your trigger areas are key in maneuvering those tricky situations.

Here are ideas for maintaining your happiest, healthiest self this holiday season. These tips help me navigate through the gatherings, and holiday meals with grace and ease. But seriously, if I follow only a few of these tips I’ll be happy.

1. Set your intention for the upcoming holiday season. Seems kind of silly, but we often forget the importance of staying present and what the season is really about. Before getting swept up in the holiday rush, decide for yourself what is important to you this season. Maybe it’s sticking to your self-care routines, meditating daily to stay present, or maintaining healthy eating habits. It could be as simple as giving back more, or starting a gratitude journal. Whatever matters to you, hold that intention for the season, to help you remain mindful of that it’s all about.

2. Make a food plan and stick to it: When you have a holiday party, plan ahead what you are willing to eat, and what you’re not willing to eat. Ask yourself: Where do I draw the line? It’s no fun to completely restrict yourself, and you’ll just end up wanting more. By planning ahead you can have what you like without going overboard. Maybe it’s no fried food, minimal sweets, or limited carbs. Or make a compromise with yourself, have the dessert but skip the appetizers.  Bringing your own healthy dish to a party will also ensure that if there’s nothing at a party you feel comfortable eating, you will at least have something. Also, plan how much alcohol you are confortable drinking. I prefer to stick to just one, but I pick my absolute favorite, and slowly sip on it throughout the night to thoroughly enjoy it. If you don’t want to drink at all, a nice wine glass with sparkling water and a lime looks festive, and gives you something to sip on, but won’t give you a headache. Whatever your game plan is, deciding ahead of time, and knowing you are sticking to it will ease those difficult in-the-moment decisions.

3. Avoid over eating: Hors d’oeuvres, pass arounds, and appetizers are especially tricky because you don’t know how much you’ve had, and it’s so easy to reach out for “just one more.” If you’re at a party where there are pass arounds, set a number you’re comfortable with and stick to it. If there’s a table of appetizers in front of you, sit near the veggie plate, that way you can snack while you chat and not end up consuming 15 pigs in a blanket. With a buffet, fill your plate just once, that way you know exactly what you’ve eaten. Also, eating a light healthy meal at home before you go to a party will ensure that you don’t mindlessly snack on whatever is in front of you.

4. Take care of your immne system. With the hectic pace and over indulging, the immune system can take a beating this time of year. Take your probiotics, vitamin C, use your essential oils,  get good sleep and don’t overdo it on sugar and alcohol. Simple as that.

5. Prioritize your self care routines. If you’ve already developed morning and night time self care rituals, the holidays are a time where you should stick to them the most. This time of year can be stressful, with the running around, cooking, hosting parties, shopping for presents, and going to events. Take the time  every day to do what keeps you grounded and feeling your best. These routines help to begin and end the day, on a relaxed and positive note. Self care can be physical or spiritual, so decide what works for you and don’t neglect yourself.

6. Move. Yes, this goes without saying, but our workout routines tend to be the first thing to go during the holidays when we have a million other things to do. But with all of the extra food and alcohol consumed, and the stressing that inevitably happens, it’s more important than ever to exercise; not only to burn off the eggnogg, but it’s also great for the mind, and managing anxiety. I find that a regular yoga practice is a grounding and relaxing way to balance all of the movement that goes on during the rest of the day.

Whether it’s spending time with family, enjoying good food, or giving back, however you choose to celebrate this holiday season, be mindful of what matters most to you, be present to the meaning of the season, take care of yourself, and enjoy it all!