Healthy Holidays

Happy Healthy Holidays

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, as goes the popular Christmas song from 1963, recorded by Andy Williams. The holidays can be a high energy time of the year with an abundance of celebrations, food, gifts, family and friends. The excitement, emotions, the close contacts of people travelling, the gatherings of families can equally create a significant amount of stress and challenges to staying healthy. To ensure this is the most the wonderful time of the year for you this season, it is important to be strategic and make a plan to adopt a plan to stay healthy during the holidays.

Plan for a Healthy Holiday Season.
 

  1. Plan to eat healthy

Eating healthy is about making good food choices and reducing abundance. Food is a mainstay around all holiday celebrations. Be responsible and choose wisely.

  • Eat small amounts and smaller portions.
  • Choose your “treats” wisely. Moderation and balance. Curb your temptations.
  • Don’t be pushed into eating everything, every place you visit.
  • Stop eating long before your hunger goes away. Do not overindulge. Stay away from the nonstop food feasts.
  • Before going out to a social gathering, eat some healthy foods to curb your hunger.
  • Eat slowly and enjoy your food.

 

  1. Plan to be active
  • Keeping active will help you enjoy the season.
  • A 10-30 minute walk goes a long way each day. Every bit helps.
  • Walking, going to a gym, or just simple exercises at home will go a long way in giving you the boost you need.
  • Plan your exercise routine.
  • Enjoy the outdoors if you are able. Get creative with snow and activities you have never tried before. Stay warm and bundle up.

 

  1. Plan to be up to date with your medications/vaccines
  • When travelling, be sure to check your medications to ensure you have an adequate supply, in case of delays.
  • Ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations. Of course, ensure you have had your flu shot!
  • Talk with your pharmacist before you go.
  • Even if you are not travelling, as many pharmacies have reduced hours over the holidays, it is best to be prepared.
  • If you become sick, stay home. Try not get others sick.
     
  1. Plan to sleep often
  • Lack of sleep can be one of the biggest areas of stress during the holidays. Stay with your routine. You know how much sleep you need- Plan it!
  • Have “down time”. Plan downtime for yourself and encourage others as well. This may involve sleep, but might just be self-time with relaxing music or a book. Rest must be a priority during the holiday season.
  • Take time to decompress at the end of the day.

 

  1. Plan to drink responsibility
  • Drink responsibility.
  • Alcohol is often a part of many social gatherings. We all have a responsibility for ourselves and each other. Limit the amount of alcohol available and/or what you drink.
  • Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Alcohol increases your appetite.
  • Drink lots of water between alcoholic drinks
  • Do not drink and drive!

 

  1. Plan to not overschedule yourself
  • The number of gatherings, engagements, parties, events can be overwhelming.
  • Plan now. Know you cannot do everything. Set your limits and prioritize.
  • It’s easy to say yes to everything ahead of time. Create your schedule and post it on a wall for you to look at each day. And remember, start by scheduling sleep, and self-time.

 

  1. Plan to spend wisely
  • Financial stress can be enormous during and after the holidays.
  • Only spend what you can afford.
  • Whether its gifts, food, alcohol, or anything else, have a budget and do not go over.

 

Remember, it’s about the plan. The best way to have a happy and healthy holiday is to plan to do it. While you cannot control everything. Starting with a solid plan is your best bet. The first step is to create a blank calendar template.

 

Let the holiday planning begin!

 

Valuable Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/

https://www.cdc.gov/features/healthytips/index.html

https://www.sleep.org/articles/beat-holiday-sleep-challenges/

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/tips-healthy-eating/seasonal-tips-healthy-eating/healthy-holiday-eating.html

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/stress-eng.php

https://www.mymentalhealth.ca/8-tips-for-mental-wellness-during-the-holidays/

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/tips-holiday-safety.html