It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we have so much to be grateful for! Holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends, but they can also be hectic and stressful. If you want to make sure that your holiday season is healthy and happy, here are some ways to maximize health despite holiday stress:
1. Go ahead and drink some cocoa.
The holidays are a time of celebration, and drinking warm beverages is an enjoyable part of that experience. But if you’re looking for a way to unwind at the end of a long day, consider making a cup of hot cocoa instead of heading straight for the bottle. While alcohol may help you relax initially, it has been shown to actually increase feelings of anxiety in the long run — especially when consumed in excess amounts. Plus, alcohol can interfere with your sleep cycle and make it harder for you to get through all your holiday obligations! Instead, reach for something warm and healthy like cocoa or herbal tea to help combat those holiday blues.
2. Stay hydrated.
Yes, you're busy, and yes, maybe you're not drinking enough water. But if you're feeling tired and achy all the time, consider that it's possible your body is simply dehydrated. When we don't drink enough water, our body pulls water from other sources in the body — including muscles and joints.
By staying hydrated, you'll have more energy to get through your holiday stress. Try drinking an eight-ounce glass of water every time you eat something salty or sweet — it's easy to forget to stay hydrated when indulging in holiday treats!
3. Get a massage.
Massages are a great way to relax after a stressful day or week, so if you can afford it get one before or during the holidays or find someone who can come to your house for a few hours of relaxation (this works especially well if you have kids). If getting away from home isn't an option, try meditating or doing yoga instead of going on social media or watching TV while sitting on the couch: keep your mind clear by focusing on breathing techniques, stretching muscles, and relaxing your body, instead of thinking about all the things that need to be done during this busy time of year.
4. Plan a little exercise in your day.
It's not always easy to fit in exercise with all the other activities going on during the holidays, but it is important to keep moving! If possible, try finding time during the day for an exercise routine — even if it just means walking around town or doing some light yoga stretches at home before heading out for events or visiting friends and family members throughout the day (or night). Even small amounts of exercise can help keep blood sugar levels stable, which is especially important for those who may have diabetes or prediabetes.
5. Get some rest at night.
This is especially important if you work during the day or if you have children who need your attention day and night. Don’t get stuck in a pattern of waking up at the crack of dawn every morning — even if it means staying up late or waking up early on weekends so that you can get enough sleep before heading back into work mode.
6. Use essential oils
Studies have shown that the scent of lavender can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Other essential oils may also be helpful, including chamomile, frankincense, and sandalwood. During the holiday season in particular—when many people are away from their loved ones—Christmas essential oils like balsam fir or spruce may offer additional comfort.
7. Be mindful of what you're eating.
It's common to overindulge in certain foods during the holidays because they're readily available — and delicious! But this often leads to weight gain or other health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Be sure to eat in moderation during parties or celebrations so you don't feel guilty about indulging later on when it's just you and your family for dinner. Also remember that portion sizes vary from country to country so don't assume that serving size in the U.S., for example, is similar in size to what you would receive overseas
Conclusion
Here's the bottom line: a healthy holiday is possible. You can enjoy yourself and stay fit and active despite pressure from family and stress from having so much to do in a short amount of time. It may be difficult, but with care and forethought, you can remain in the holiday spirit—and healthy—for the entire season. Have a happy holiday!
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