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As this holiday season fast approaches, many of us feel increasingly tired.  Is this added layer of grogginess a result of the stress the holidays can often bring?  The food we typically eat during the holidays?  The libations we often indulge in during these festive times?  Or all the above?  The most likely answer is all the above – stress, high carbohydrate/high sugar foods, and alcoholic beverages can all play a part in our bodies and minds feeling overly tired this time of year (or anytime of year, for that matter).

According to www.healthline.com, here are a few ways to stay awake so you can enjoy all this holiday season has to offer:

• Eat more slowly. Give your body time to realize how full it is and that it doesn’t need another serving of your aunt’s three-bean casserole. The body needs about 20 minutes to realize it’s full, so take your time — you’ll eat less.
• Take smaller portions. This may seem like heresy but being able to see your plate is a good thing. Taking less food to start your meal often means you’ll eat less by the end of it.
• Eat healthy snacks or small meals before your holiday dinner. Starving yourself in anticipation of a delicious feast can lead to overindulgence.
• Watch the alcohol intake.  Current US Department of guidelines  recommend that women have no more than one drink per day and that men have no more than two drinks. But alcohol is also a temporary sedative, and its effects can be enhanced with overeating.
• Stop eating when you’re full. This may lead to more leftovers to enjoy the next day.
• Take a walk after dinner. This will put some of those carbohydrates to work by giving you energy — and it’ll make you feel better than lounging on the couch half asleep.
• Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep on a regular basis. Keeping odd hours can make you more likely to conk out at inopportune times.
• Exercise regularly. This will help you maintain a healthy energy level.