4 Ways to Stay Healthy Over The Holidays
Health

4 Ways to Stay Healthy Over The Holidays

Admit it, you‚ve been listening to Christmas songs since Thanksgiving ended. Presents, stockings, family, and parties are just a few of the many things on your mind right now. Although this is a cheerful and happy time of year, there will be a few things that make you feel just the opposite. Finding the perfect gift, deciding on what to cook for Christmas dinner, or the stress of being a host can make anyone feel pressured. With Christmas only a few days away, here are some ways to make sure you‚re staying upbeat and healthy this holiday season. Stay organized to reduce stress This is for all of you late shoppers who wait until the last minute to purchase gifts. Although Christmas is close, and you might not have everyone‚s gifts yet, don‚t panic. Panic often leads to feelings of stress and anxiety, which have a horrible effect on your overall health. Take a deep breath and try to figure out ways to make shopping go more smoothly. Staying organized can help combat the pressure you‚re feeling when looking for gifts. Creating a list beforehand so you know exactly what you need to get, and where to get it from, is a huge help. On another note, if you‚re stressed for another reason, like being the Christmas host this year, a list can help you there too. Making sure you have a clear understanding of how many guests you‚ll have, and how much food you‚ll need to prepare will make things less hectic. Don‚t overindulge holiday sweets Most people can agree that one of the best parts of the holiday season is the food. Whether it‚s festive Christmas desserts or delicious home-cooked dishes, a nice meal is always something to look forward to. With that being said, it‚s really easy to overindulge in the goodies. When an abundance of food is out and everyone else if gorging themselves, it‚s hard to have self-control. However, it‚s important to realize that eating ten of your aunt‚s homemade cookies will hurt you in the long run. Overeating can lead to a variety of health issues if you aren‚t vigilant. Try eating a little slower to give your stomach and brain time to process what you‚ve just consumed. Although you should be conscious of your eating, that doesn‚t mean that you cannot treat yourself. Having sweets in moderation is completely fine! Eat what and how you want, just don‚t overdo it. No one should have to say no to Christmas cookies! Continue your exercise routine It‚s hard to get ecstatic about working out when you have a lot of things to do. Forgetting to go to the gym happens when you‚re focused on spending quality time with your loved ones, going to holiday parties, and just trying to relax during a somewhat overwhelming time. However, remind yourself to try to engage in just a little physical activity. It can serve as an outlet to some of the stress you may be feeling and help you stay positive. Also, remember that you don‚t have to go to the gym to get exercise. There are plenty of at-home workout routines you can try that don‚t require any equipment. You can turn ordinary furniture like your sofa, into prime exercise equipment. Your workouts don‚t have to be too long either. Ten to fifteen minutes can make a world of difference for your health. Prioritize Your Mental Wellbeing As you prepare for Christmas day, don‚t forget to take care of yourself. Take some time to make sure you‚re feeling good mentally and physically. It goes without saying that sleep is important for your overall health. Without the proper amount of rest, you are prone to moodiness, stress, and even depression; things you definitely don‚t want to feel during this fun time of year. You may not be getting a good night‚s sleep for a variety of reasons. Your bed is uncomfortable, your room is too hot or cold, or you‚re simply stressed. Combat some of these issues by making sure you have a comfortable and reliable mattress, that your room is the perfect temperature, and by finding ways to reduce stress such as staying organized. Have a Happy Holiday! Ignore the stress and enjoy this joyous time with your family and friends. Make sure to laugh, smile and have a great time because that‚s what the holidays are about! Just make sure you‚re staying healthy and safe so you can go into the New Year stress-free. DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.