From celebrating traditions and enjoying elaborate meals to spending time with family and anticipating a new year—the holidays are a wonderful time to be with the ones you love.

But, at the same time, the decadent meals start adding up and you constantly feel stuffed, your routine is thrown off and all that family time is starting to get overwhelming.

This holiday season try not to let yourself get bogged down by the fitness and nutrition challenges. Instead, use wellness as your outlet—so you can spend more time truly present with your loved ones without worrying about everything else. Here’s how:

Too blessed to be stressed

Holiday shopping, crazy work hours, hosting parties, end of year finances, high expectations, and excessive social commitments. It’s no secret that—in addition to joy—the holidays can bring a lot of stress.

Let some steam off with your favorite high-energy workout or a HIIT class. All that stress may not go away completely, but taking some time to forget about it keeps you sane. Channel all that energy into something that helps you feel stronger physically and mentally.

See ya later, toxins

The holidays often end up being an exception for all the attempted healthy eating and self-control practiced the rest of the year. That obviously shouldn’t be the case, but if you go a bit overboard with the cookies and wine this time of year, there’s hope! Heated classes like yoga or sweating it out with personal training are a great way to detox your body when you feel bloated and full.

Inhale, exhale…

In the midst of all the craziness that comes with the holidays, take some time to unwind and reset your mind. Whether it’s the flow of a calming yoga class, booking a massage or setting aside an hour to meditate, don’t deprive your soul of some quiet time.

The more, the merrier

The holidays aren’t always tinsel and twinkle for everyone. The season can also bring sadness and loneliness (even when you’re surrounded by others). If you find yourself feeling down and alone, try a group fitness class. Taking an exercise class is a great way to surround yourself with people who can help lift you up and motivate you to push on. There are communities of support and wellness all around you, all you have to do is show up.

No matter what you’re feeling this season, bring wellness with you every step of the way. For more information on using exercise to combat holiday stress, contact Fit Factory.