Essential Yom Tov Survival Tips
The holiday season is upon us, and you know what that means: for most of us, it’s family fun time, dish upon dish of delicious food, and hopefully some spiritual opportunities to connect with the One Above.
If we’re not careful, though, Yom Tov can become a negative experience, with cranky children, crankier adults, and the revival of old rivalries, not to mention some unpleasant aftereffects of overeating. Here are some tips to avoid potential pitfalls.
Healthy Holiday Eating
Take care of yourself. Healthy food intake and sleep patterns are essential to your physical and mental health. Guess which two things take a beating on Yom Tov? Yes, I’m afraid it’s your eating and sleeping patterns. We tend to overeat and oversleep, and we are not at our best. When you’re not at your best, you’re more likely to be grumpy and snap when you step on yet another Lego piece, or when your sister-in-law makes a snide remark about your outfit.
Try to regulate your food intake (haha, little joke there). Don’t inhale all the challah. When food is served (assuming it’s family-style eating), fill your plate with all of the delectable dishes before you start to eat. This will help you have a better idea of how much food you’re actually eating. Before you take doubles, take a break. Sing a song. Have a conversation. Give your body time to decide if you want more. If you’re feeling deprived, imagine having this much food on a weekday. You would probably have been full midway through the second course. Eat a little bit less, and feel a whole lot better.
Try eating a small breakfast, even if you’re full in the morning. A little morning yogurt and fruit will help your body regulate itself, and you’re less likely to feel like you need to binge at lunch.
Sleepy Time
Ah, the cherished and coveted Yom Tov nap—don’t do it. You’ll throw off your body’s circadian rhythm, and you may end up cranky with a headache. If you must nap, keep it short (20-60 minutes), or sleep on a chair or on the couch - you won’t sleep as deeply, and your body will be less negatively affected.
If anyone in my family is reading this, I call the blue couch. Don’t even think about it.
Take a Mental Health Break
Family time can be wonderful, and it can also be stressful. Make sure to take breaks. If there’s a room you can disappear to (bathroom?), a book you can read, or a walk you can take, do it. Make this a priority before you start to get stressed, and you’ll be better equipped to handle dirty dishes and nosy cousins.
Help Out
Once we’ve taken care of ourselves (see above), we can genuinely throw ourselves into service. Help with cooking, serving, cleaning, watching children (let someone else take that nap!). Have patience. Be kind, and be gracious. A positive vibe is infectious. Remember that everyone has their struggles, and everyone wants to be appreciated. Be present, and let yourself enjoy the holiday.
Now you have all the ingredients you need to savor this Yom Tov. Enjoy, and Chag Sameach!