A Healthy Sukkot: Breaking the Routine While Keeping Balance

September 27, 2026 - 13:24

The Sukkot holiday offers a rare chance to step away from daily pressures and reconnect with family, according to Dr. Sigal Mazor. She suggests treating the festival as an opportunity to reset habits rather than abandon them, focusing on time together, physical activity, and a break from screens.

Mazor points out that the week-long holiday naturally shifts people outdoors, which makes it easier to move more and sit less. Walks, light games, and shared meals in the sukkah can replace hours spent scrolling or watching television. The key is to plan activities that feel enjoyable rather than forced, so the change in routine actually lasts.

Food is another area where balance matters. Holiday meals tend to be heavy and long, and Mazor recommends enjoying them in moderation instead of treating the week as an all-you-can-eat marathon. Choosing smaller portions, drinking water, and keeping some structure around meal times helps avoid the sluggish feeling that often follows days of overindulgence.

Timing also plays a role. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the cooler, more pleasant hours of the morning or late afternoon, with shade available to prevent overheating. By combining family connection, movement, limited screen time, and sensible eating, the holiday can leave people feeling refreshed instead of drained when the routine resumes.