The holidays are typically the time of year when people spend more time with family, enjoy seasonal events, and enjoy more treats than usual. The last thing people are thinking about is their health. But, with more people spending time indoors, less focus on eating right, and colds and flu circulating, it’s best if you give your health at least a little bit of attention. It doesn’t need to be anything major. I’m not talking about new years’ resolutions, but here are some simple habits that you can take with any time of the year.
Get Enough Rest
You’d be surprised at the number of people who stay up late more during the holiday season. They spend time decorating, planning gatherings, and so much more. Lack of sleep stresses your body out and leads to a reduced immune response. This is one of the things that makes people more susceptible to illness during this time of the year.
Stay Active
I know the sun is going down early, but that doesn’t mean you need to sit in your home and binge-watch Hallmark Christmas movies every single day. There are plenty of ways to workout at home. You can even do short exercise spurts in between shows and during commercials—if you still watch those. Staying active helps your muscles stay strong, your lungs stay healthy, and can help prevent illness. Exercising at home, especially when you already have a busy holiday schedule, is convenient and simple. There are plenty of routines that don’t require any equipment. For instance, did you know you can use your body weight to build strength in nearly every muscle?
Eat Healthy Foods Most of the Time
If you want to stay healthy during the holidays, you need to give your body the right fuel. Eating healthy foods most of the time means you’ll have more energy, better focus, improved moods, and you’ll be more likely to avoid sickness.
Indulge on Occasion
With that said, it’s best if you allow yourself to enjoy your favorites on occasion. If your mom makes the best Thanksgiving pie, or your friend makes amazing homemade Christmas candies, it’s okay to say yes to them. If you try and deprive yourself of everything, you will be more likely to binge later on because you never got to eat the thing you wanted to in the first place. Having a favorite treat will boost your mood, ultimately helping you stay healthy in mind and body.
Don’t Overbook Yourself
It’s easy to want to say “yes” to all the events and gatherings that you get invited to, but this can mean your schedule is full and overwhelming. If you want to maintain your sanity and your health during the holidays, don’t be afraid to say “no” sometimes. While a full schedule might sound fun, it can be a nightmare getting you and your kids to and from all the holiday gatherings.
Supplement
It’s the time of year when you’re not likely to get as much sunshine. So, it’s important to supplement with Vitamins A and D to help your body get everything it needs to stay healthy. You can also add more vitamin C to your daily routine to ensure your immune system is strong and healthy. Find good quality supplements with very few additives for the best results.
Manage Your Stress
Even though the holidays can be fun, it can also be stressful. Maybe there are family members you don’t enjoy being around, but you need to grin and bear it when you head to a family gathering. Perhaps it’s stressful trying to find the perfect gift for your children. No matter what is making you feel pressured, find ways to manage your stress. Take walks, do Yoga, read a book, but find ways to reduce your stress during the holiday season.
Drink Enough of the Right Things
While holiday parties mean there is more alcohol around, it doesn’t mean you need to drink more than you usually would. In fact, even though it might be cold outside, you still need enough water daily. This is especially true if you do plan to indulge responsibly in some alcoholic beverages. Instead of drinking champagne, you could also enjoy some fizzy water with a lemon or lime in it. When you drink enough water, your body can function at it’s best and you don’t risk getting dehydrated.