Take care this season!

The end of the year can be a stressful time.  Shorter days and high expectations of the perfect holiday are just a few of the things that make this so. We checked in with ANTIDOTE stylists on how they not just cope, but how they thrive during this busy season.  Here are their top 4 techniques: 

1. Eat well: Veggies, veggies, veggies!  Try new ones, indulge with fun dips and sauces, roasted vegetables rock.  Our favorite Cleveland Clinic offers specific tips for healthy holiday eating, like "never go to a party hungry, use smaller plates, cheat a little, but only once a day, and aim for 7 or more of fruit and vegetables each day."

2. Get some sleep: Try to work a cat nap into your plans - especially before a big events. In "Here's why you want to sleep more in winter", Tiffany Gagnon explains, "We tend to break our routines during the winter season, which can lead to health problems. Just like you schedule in your workouts, do you best to schedule in time for sleep. If you need more motivation, get this: Some research shows that getting enough sleep each week boosts your chances at achieving your fitness goals. Do your body some real good, and start snoozing.

3. Move a lot: Take the stairs, stretch out, add a lunch time walk to your routine, park far away from the entrance- on purpose.  Iowa-based Primary Health Care reminds us, "any activity is better than none! Ten minutes of activity at a time is okay."

"Exercise has many benefits that will improve your physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being. Here are a few of the reasons why:

• Boosts your immune system
• Fights many chronic diseases (including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes)
• Increases strength, flexibility, and endurance of daily life
• Improves sleep patterns
• Releases hormones that make you feel good"

4. Me time: Know your limits and when to pull back for some quiet time. While time in nature, a bath, an evening walk, or reading a good book might seem indulgent when the party is going on next door, it might be just what you need.  We highly recommend some time in nature.  A recent UK study showed that "spending two hours per week soaking up nature -- be it woodland, park or beach -- gives a positive boost to health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically," shares CNN's Maureen O'Hara.

How do you take care of yourself during the holiday season?