EATING RIGHT, FEELING BRIGHT: HOW TO STAY HEALTHY AND HAPPY THIS FESTIVE SEASON

As the festive season arrives, it's easy to get swept up in the celebration—and sometimes, overdo it. Between rich sweets, back-to-back parties, and emotional highs (and lows), maintaining your health— both physical and emotional—can become challenging.

- Sinduri Vuppala

Sinduri Vuppala speaks to two experts—Dietician Vidhi Chawla, Founder of FISICO Diet & Aesthetic Clinic, and Rajvir Kohar, a seasoned Mental Health Clinician—to bring you a guide on how to eat mindfully and feel emotionally balanced this season.

Additionally, the festive season can bring emotional pain for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Others may experience a profound sense of loneliness, especially if they lack close family or social networks, making the celebratory atmosphere feel isolating rather than inclusive.

Common mental health symptoms during this period include disturbed sleep, changes in appetite (either overeating or under-eating), increased irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal. While these feelings are common, they often go unnoticed amidst societal expectations to "stay cheerful."

Despite these challenges, it is possible to approach the festive season with mindfulness and care.

While cultural celebrations and holidays offer opportunities for connections and joy, they also come with increased expectations and responsibilities. Research indicates that mental health symptoms such as stress, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and emotional eating often rise during the festive season. Many individuals experience heightened stress around the holidays, primarily due to factors such as financial strain, time pressures, and family dynamics.

Financial challenges can be particularly overwhelming, as people feel the burden of purchasing gifts, hosting gatherings, and keeping up with social expectations. For individuals already managing financial constraints, these demands can deepen feelings of inadequacy or guilt.

By adopting practical strategies, you can protect your mental health and still engage in meaningful celebrations.