The holiday season is typically a time that we throw diets and healthy choices to the wind—but, don't. Yes, eat that cookie…or, two. But don't gorge. Poor eating habits result

in lower energy and only heighten stress levels. 

According to an infographic from Healthline, more than 40 percent of people disregard their health during the holidays, choosing to eat and drink

all they want. 

This year, opt for a healthier Christmas dinner menu, such as steak, baked potatoes, and sautéed spinach. Vegetarians might enjoy these selections: sweet

potato soup, spinach-stuffed mushrooms, and celebration lentil loaf. Entertain guests beforehand with healthy party foods, like chips and salsa or vegetables with dip. 

Keep it simple for dessert by serving a

delicious fruit salad, or these easy-to-make dark chocolate fruit and nut bars.   

Remember to take care of yourself this holiday season. The easiest way? Meditate. When should you? Your body will tell you. 

Pay attention to the clues that your body is

giving you when faced with certain stressors. How does your body react—are muscles tense and fatigued, breaths short and fast, or is your mind racing to focus on several things at once? If

so, stop, if only for a moment and simply, breathe. Inhale positive vibes, and exhale negative thoughts. With each breath, focus on a muscle, in hopes of relaxing it. 

href="http://lailaalilifestyle.com/lists/do-these-5-things-before-bed-tonight-to-lose-weight-tomorrow" target="_blank">At night, meditate before bed. This will help to prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the following day. Practice "letting go" of what happened today, and focus on

a positive outlook for tomorrow. 

Exercise this holiday season to beat stress. If you don't have enough time to fit in your normal routine or make it to the gym, try these fast, easy at-home workouts from Real

Simple, Shape, Women's Health, Fitness Magazine, and SELF.

Hosting holiday get-togethers and celebrations is one of the most stressful parts of the season. Prepare for it by wrapping presents and doing any heavy cleaning a week before guests are set to

arrive. Having a clean space reduces stress. Also, this way, a day or two before, only small things need to be tidied up, and all your energy can be focused on

preparing the holiday meal. 

Additionally, create a timeline or schedule for when each of the holiday dishes need to be prepared. Make desserts the day before, so that the entree

and the sides are the main focus for the day-of. 

The holiday season is a wonderful time to give back to others. Not only can you help to make a difference in someone's life, but it can be a very

heartwarming and humbling experience for yourself. The easiest way to get involved is through local organizations, such as Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army. When purchasing

presents, there are also some retailers that offer "gifts that give back."

Other ideas might include:
1) Soldiers' Secret Santa: Make a donation to this

organization that provides Christmas gifts to the children of soldiers.
2) Holidays for Heroes: Sponsored by the American Red Cross, this program offers a way for the public to

support and thank members of the military, as well as Veterans.
3) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Holiday Cards: This holiday season, send e-cards or printed Christmas cards to

your loved ones, while making a donation toward St. Jude families.

Perhaps the most stressful aspect of the holiday season is shopping, whether it's searching for affordable gifts or finding the 'right' present.

According to a 2015 survey

conducted by Healthline, nearly 50 percent of participants reported holiday stress stemming from finances. 

To dial down stress, seek out ways to give more, for less. What do I mean by

that? Consider handmade gifts. Get inspired with these ideas from HGTV, POPSUGAR, Country Living, Better Homes and Gardens, and DesignSponge.

Handcrafted gifts are therapeutic to make, as well as special to the recipient.