Wake up late, watch a parade, pal around with family, eat an unthinkable amount and pass out on the couch. Hopefully you’ve recognized the holiday to which I’m referring: Thanksgiving. A holiday in which you get to eat some of your favorite foods until you get ill, and then pass out on the couch next to your weird uncle Ron. With the holiday season soon approaching, the excitement is growing. It means less homework, no school and more free time for us. Thanksgiving is the holiday at which we allow ourselves to eat like a fiend without all the guilt. Unfortunately, the aftermath of this beloved season always seems to creep up when we’re not looking. I’m not saying that these traditions are bad things; who doesn’t love the holidays? I simply urge you to solve the problem while it’s still a possibility. There are some simple and easy ways for you to get healthy while still enjoying yourself over break. You can still enjoy the holidays without eating excessively. Portion control is our friend. Maybe instead of five helpings of stuffing, you stick to two. If the idea of a longer and healthier life doesn’t motivate you, maybe the idea of the Christmas dance will. With school events – like the Christmas dance and Prom – coming up, it is always a good idea to get yourself into shape to look your best. We spend an inordinate amount of money on clothes, accessories and preparation, so of course we want to do whatever we can to look sharp in them. I’m not saying drink protein shakes and sprint at four in the morning, but there are easy steps that you can take to become healthier. Earlier this month, I joined the YMCA. It’s a short distance from New Sewickley, and a reasonable fee. It costs $16 a month with a one-time additional joining fee of $20. It’s a safe place for people to get in shape, and it works around my busy schedule. High school can be a stressful place. There are deadlines, grades and parents nagging you to get your grades up. All of this stress is not healthy for a teenager. This is where the benefits of working out come in to play. Exercising is proven to reduce stress; It can relax your muscles, release some pent up aggression and even releases endorphins to give your body a natural boost. It’s a healthy way for you to get a handle on your stress. The holidays are a happy time for everyone. It’s a time for family, fun and freedom. I understand the temptations of the season, but I encourage you to take a few small steps to get yourself in better shape during this holiday season.