7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

November 14, 2018 12 By EngineerMommy

This post was sponsored by Optimum Nutrition as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

With the holiday season upon us, many of us have a long list of things to do to get ready for the festivities. Today I’ll be sharing some smart tips to keep the season full of merry & cheer… and hopefully (mostly) free of anxiety. From reeling in your expectations to choosing smart snacks (like Optimum Nutrition products from Walmart), keep reading for my best tips.

1. Reel in expectations!
While we may have grand visions of trimming the tree while chocolate chip cookies are baking in the oven and children are engaging in some festive craft on the table, reality is not always that pretty. Sometimes the cookies will burn and the craft will result in a big pile of glitter on the floor. Keep your expectations in check and just enjoy the simple moments of the season… even if they’re not picture-perfect!

2. Choose smart snacks!
During the holiday season, I find that my schedule is especially hectic on a daily basis. Throw in marathon shopping trips to the mall for holiday gifts and extra work load on the blog in Q4… and the need for convenient snacks is real! I recently discovered Optimum Nutrition products from Walmart and I’ve been loving these delicious, ready-to-eat protein options! There are three products available: Cake Bites, Protein Almonds and Protein Crisps.

These on-the-go sources of protein are perfect to help me reach my goals and keep me feeling satisfied between meals. Rich in protein, these snacks are the perfect post-workout refueling solution. For example, the Cake Bites feature an impressive 20 grams of protein and only 2-3 grams of sugar. Oh, they’re also gluten-free so they’re perfect for those with sensitivities / allergies. The Cake Bites are available in three flavors: Birthday Cake, Red Velvet, Chocolate Frosted Donut, and Peanut Butter Chocolate.

7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season


I like to keep a few of these at my desk for quick snacks while working on the blog. Birthday Cake is my favorite flavor, but I do enjoy all of them.
7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season


Another awesome option from Optimum Nutrition products is their Protein Almonds. These feature twice the protein of regular coated almonds, including a whopping 10 grams of protein per serving and only 1-2 grams of sugar. I am already a huge fan of almonds (and nuts in general) so these Protein Almonds are everything I love about almonds … but even better!
7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season


They’re available in two yummy flavors: Dark Chocolate Truffle and Cinnamon Roll. I keep a bag of these in the car for on-the-go snacking.
7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season


The third protein option I tried is the Optimum Nutrition Protein Crisps. With 20 grams of protein & 6-7 grams of fat per bar, this is a snack I can feel good about enjoying. The light, crispy texture and two delicious flavor options (Peanut Butter Crunch and Soft Toffee Pretzel) make this another favorite snack option of mine.
7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season


Perfect to throw in my handbag, these Protein Crisps are the ideal snack choice for busy days. With all the protein per serving, they’re perfect after working out too! They keep me feeling satisfied without any of the guilt.
7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season


Look for Optimum Nutrition products in-store at Walmart and experience the deliciousness for yourself.
7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

7 Ways to Stay Sane this Holiday Season

3. Make a list of ways to recharge!
Whether your favorite thing to do is take a bubble bath or dive into a good novel, cultivate a list of your favorite pastimes that recharge you. During the holiday season, there are inevitable moments of stress and frustration. When they strike, be prepared to reclaim your sanity by doing something that you enjoy!

4. Prioritize your sleep!
During the holidays, it can be tempting to squeeze in a few more productive hours in the day. You may be tempted to do a late-night gift wrapping session or an early morning online shopping spree. You may feel like that extra hour (or two) of sleep is not that necessary, but we all need to recharge. Don’t skimp out on sleep – give your body plenty of time to rest every night.

5. Be comfortable saying “no”!
Many of us have a tendency to take on more than we can handle. We might be uncomfortable turning down a close friend or not embracing an invitation for a fun trip, but sometimes there is just not enough time in the day. Feel comfortable saying “no” and see how much more time you’ll find in your day. Don’t over-fill your schedule.

6. Laugh often!
Laughter is just as important as making smart food choices and exercising regularly. I have found that humor is the best antidote to a stressful experience. In fact, laughing can be downright therapeutic and healing. How do you find ways to laugh often? My husband and I have developed a love for stand-up comedy. Also, my husband and I have cultivated a relationship, where we look for funny, silly things in everyday life… essentially, we are actively looking for instances to laugh about! Like many things, humor is a skill that improves with practice.

7. Get moving!
Research has shown that exercise can help improve one’s mood and tolerance for stress. If you’re not already exercising on a regular basis, try to incorporate some workouts into your daily routine during the holiday season. You’ll be amazed at how just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost those feel-good hormones!

Don’t forget to check out Optimum Nutrition products at your local Walmart store. How do you stay sane during the hectic holiday season? Which of these high-protein products would you most like to try?


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