Tips for Happier Holidays

Dr. John PelizzaManaging Seasonal Stress

John Pelizza, Ph.D., associate professor of health education, offers helpful tips to stay mentally fit during the holiday season.

  • Spend time by yourself and be grateful for what you have and stop focusing on what don’t have.
  • Help someone who is less fortunate than you.
  • Spend as much quality time with the people you love.
  • Keep exercising during the holiday season. Exercise will help prevent and manage stress.
  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially at holiday parties. Reduce your intake of fats and sugars.
  • Remember, it’s OK if you don’t attend every holiday party and everything doesn’t have to be perfect!

Dr. Nina MarinelloHealthy Eating Suggestions

Nina Marinello, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of nutrition, shares ways to maintain your healthy eating habits during the holiday season.

  • During the holidays it helps to be a picky eater. Eat only your favorite treats and savor every bite.
  • Don’t starve yourself all day because you want to save calories, you’ll only eat more at the party. Have lighter meals during the day and be sure to include some protein.
  • If you can’t resist tasting all the tempting foods, just take two bites. That’s usually enough to satisfy the craving.
  • Use vegetables and salad to fill at least ¾ of your plate, then fill the rest with whatever you want.
  • Keep track of what you didn’t eat. If you had two cookies instead of six, jot it down to help you reaffirm your willpower.

Cylon GeorgeSpirituality During the Holiday Season

Cylon George, chaplain at Sage's Spirituality Center, offers perspectives on making the holidays meaningful.

  • Take time to be truly present to those you love during the holidays, even as you frantically search for that perfect gift for a loved one.
  • Take some time out for quiet reflection, prayer or meditation to help ease the stress of the holidays.
  • Take the time to enter deeply into your own religious, spiritual or other sacred holiday traditions.


To speak to these Sage faculty experts, please contact Jamie Tario, media manager, at (518) 244-6861 or tarioj@sage.edu.