Have yourself a healthy holiday season

4:29 PM, Dec 12, 2017
1:15 PM, Dec 12, 2018

This season, don’t let your health and wellness take a back seat to the tasks and activities associated with the holidays. While your focus may shift from exercise and diets to celebrations and libations, it is important to consider your health.

Use the following five tips to stave off stress, weight gain, and the holiday blues.

Stay active

Plan time for daily exercise. Exercise helps to destress and clear your mind. Even a short walk around the neighborhood each evening can help you maintain health and wellness this season. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise weekly.

Treat yourself (in moderation)

A cookie won’t ruin your diet. Don’t count calories at the hors d’oeuvres table but remember to fit the fruits and veggies in at another time. It’s also important to listen to your body and eat when you are truly hungry.

Spend time with family and friends

Don’t get caught up on what to get or give your friends and family. Instead, catch up on how they’re doing, where they spent their year and how they plan to spend the next one. Socializing increases feelings of well-being. It also minimizes feelings of depression and boosts your mental health. Time with family and friends is more valuable than anything in gift wrap.

 

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Say no

It doesn’t take much before you feel pulled in a million directions. Between New Year’s Eve invitations and office celebrations, the list gets lengthy. Remember, it is okay to say no. Don’t overextend yourself and cause undue stress. Make yourself a priority and schedule some down time to relax and truly enjoy the holiday season.

Practice healthy habits

Unfortunately, the holiday season is also cold and flu season. Practice healthy habits such as washing your hands often and covering each cough to prevent catching or spreading illness. Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated to strengthen your immune system. If you can help it, don’t miss the festivities because of the flu.

Don’t let stress or illness take over your holiday season. While it may be unavoidable, use these five tips to navigate your holiday celebrations.

Visit thinkhealth.priorityhealth.com for more helpful health hints.

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