HOW TO STAY HEALTHY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

December is notoriously a time to indulge, but don’t let this be the green light to overindulge. You can still enjoy all the festivities of the season and get through the Christmas and New Year period without too much impact on your health

Here are some tips to Stay Healthy during the Holidays:

Keep Moving

Cold holiday temperatures can cause people to stay indoors. Unfortunately, these habits can also lead to unintentional weight gain. Keeping your body active is an important way to combat this detrimental impact. It is recommended that you get at a minimum of 10,000 steps per day. Most smartphones are able to track your daily steps so you can see if you are reaching this goal. If the climate is too cold for outdoor exercise, you can walk around an indoor shopping mall or join an indoor gym.

Go Easy on Beverages

From spiked eggnog to spiked punch, more holiday parties mean more holiday beverages. Make sure to stick to 1-2 adult beverages per evening to prevent overindulgence and the dreaded morning-after hangover.

Don't overindulge

During celebratory times it is easy to eat whatever is placed in front of you. According to registered dietitian nutritionist Briget Wojciak, overeating can lead to sluggishness, sleepiness, acid flux, and indigestion. One strategy to combat overindulgence is to self-monitor whether you are hungry or simply eating out of boredom, stress, or other emotionally driven reasons. Only eat when you are hungry.

Keep Colds at Bay

No one wants a runny nose or cough cramping their holiday festivities. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and hot water, use hand sanitizer, and increase your vitamin C intake to prevent catching a winter bug.

Don't Stress

During the season of giving, do not forget to give to yourself as well. Self-care can reduce the added stress of financial pressures, social interactions, and family dramatics. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a bath, light a candle, and play relaxing music. Make sure to get plenty of rest and spend time doing activities that keep you jolly.

Eat Fruit

When thinking of winter foods, we don’t tend to think of fruits. However, many overlook the nutritional benefits of fruits, such as apples, cranberries, and pomegranates. These fruits are in-season and serve many nutritional benefits. 

Do Something for Others

There is no better time of the year to give back to others. It is not uncommon for holiday givers to purchase a holiday meal or gifts for a struggling family. Some may choose to pay for the customer in line behind them. Even offering to baby-sit for your overworked neighbors could make all the difference. Doing good deeds for others will make you feel more festive and happy this holiday season.

Engage Your Brain

One way to stay alert and mentally active during the cold months is to engage in puzzles or word games. These are perfect for the holiday season because they can be done with your friends and family around a warm fire. While it is important to take a break from the everyday stressors of work, you need to continue to stimulate your brain. Breaks from work are also a great time to learn a new skill or read up on a topic you are interested in.

Consider consulting an experienced dietitian nutritionist to discuss your dietary needs this festive season. Regardless wherever you are across the world, consider researching online on Mya Care to find a dietitian nutritionist who may be a good fit for your dietary requirements. 

And most importantly, have a happy, healthy festive season!

Disclaimer: Please note that Mya Care does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is not intended to replace the care or advice of a qualified health care professional. The views expressed are personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Mya Care. Always consult your doctor for all diagnoses, treatments, and cures for any diseases or conditions, as well as before changing your health care regimen. Do not reproduce, copy, reformat, publish, distribute, upload, post, transmit, transfer in any manner or sell any of the materials in this blog without prior written permission from myacare.com.