12 Things You Can Do For Your Health Over The Holidays
The festive season is a wonderful time to spend with friends and family - but it can also be stressful.
Even though every Hallmark movie tells us we should be celebrating (let alone moving from the big city back to our charming hometown to fall in love, but that’s another story), emotional, mental and physical stressors happen and can take their toll on our wellbeing.
Here are 12 tips you can put into action to have a happy and healthy holiday season.
1. DIAL BACK THE DRINKS
Egg nog, hot buttered rum, mulled wine – the list goes on when it comes to seasonal sippers, but it’s advised we limit our cocktails to avoid holiday heart syndrome, a phrase coined by The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Hospital emergency rooms are packed with patients every season with atrial fibrillation or irregular heart rhythms, and these are folks that are normally in good health. Be sure to drink lots of water, too, while you’re toasting the season. You’ll feel better in the morning and will thank us later.
2. GRAZE, DON’T GORGE
Heavy holiday meals, charcuterie boards, rich desserts and Christmas candy aren’t exactly the makings of a healthy balanced diet. But we realize ‘tis the season, so keep things in moderation and graze, not gorge. Before heading out to that holiday gathering, snack on something packed with protein, like a hardboiled egg, or plain Greek yogurt, air-fried chickpeas or some unsalted nuts that will fill help fill you up. The temptation to overeat will be reduced and you won’t make be as tempted to make a meal out of salty Chex Mix and greasy piggies in blankets.
3. GET YOUR STRESS IN CHECK
The risk of cardiac events increases as your stress levels climb, so hit pause when you feel your blood pressure rising. Take some deep breaths to soothe your system or settle down with a meditation app you can follow for a few minutes. If there is time, have a relaxing bath or soothing shower to guide you back to centre. Take a walk and breathe in fresh air, preferably in nature. Even if the walk is just around the block, that’s okay, too.
4. REMEMBER YOUR MEDS
Holiday hoopla can have us all over the place with our daily schedules in flux, so set a reminder on your phone or watch to take your medications on time every day.
5. MOVE IT
Hit the gym, your yoga mat, or the sidewalk, but get moving for at least 20 minutes per day. Not only will your calories from that extra shortbread cookie be addressed but your head’s cobwebs may clear a bit. Lowering stress by raising your heart rate can help, and a few reps with weights, some stretching, or a brisk walk may work wonders.
6. DON’T OVERSCHEDULE YOURSELF
It’s okay to say no. Repeat after us. No. And of course no thanks is even better. With all the parties, concerts, activities and social gatherings you may be invited to, do not feel obligated to attend them all. Burn out is a very real thing during the holiday season. Choose the events that mean something to you and give any invitation some thought before you accept or decline.
7. TRAVEL REALISTICALLY
Very often we must hop a plane or get behind the wheel in order to spend time with people we love over the holidays. If it’s just too much to do the travelling every year, suggest you host and the others come to you instead this year. Set healthy boundaries and be honest with your people that it’s not them, it’s you. And your well-being is important.
8. GET A GRIP ON GIFTING
Going over budget, spending precious downtime jammed in busy shopping centres, and the insecurity of never really getting the right gift anyway doesn’t sound like the spirit of the season, does it? Suggest limiting gifts by drawing names in your family, so that you can focus on that one person and gift them something meaningful. Put limits on the amount spent. Or consider a theme like handmade presents, or gifts from a favourite thrift store. It’s better for your wallet and environmentally sound too.
9. ME TIME
Whatever soothes the soul is important but make healthy choices. Allow yourself to read that novel that has been languishing on your bedside table. Watch a holiday movie by yourself that makes you choke up with the true meaning of Christmas. Take a nap, with no apologies. Create your own spa day at home, even if it’s just a bubble bath, candles and a sheet mask.
10. GRIEVE IF YOU NEED TO
There’s nothing like the holiday season to remind us that we are missing our late, loved ones. Honour them by lighting a candle, putting on some relaxing music, and reflect on the happy holiday memories you’ve shared. Sit with the feeling for a while - it’s private, and it’s yours. And you’ll feel better if you let the feelings pass through you rather than resist.
11. GET PLENTY OF ZZZ’S
Alcohol consumption is not great for quality sleep, so limiting drinks makes sense when it comes to getting a deep, restorative rest. Make sure your bedroom isn’t too warm as well; we sleep best in a cool room. And don’t underestimate the power of a good nap! Naps are a great way to relax and reset. Even 20 minutes of shut-eye can give you an energy boost.
12. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A BLUE CHRISTMAS
Elvis crooned it best when it comes to sad songs about holiday breakups. The holidays may remind us of those treasured moments that are now gone, or sometimes you just feel a little off and you’re not able to pinpoint why. The season is emotional and we can carry disappointments, regrets and difficult memories that can come back full force this time of year. Talk to a friend or a counsellor if you need support and some tools to navigate. If you’re looking for someone to talk to or some mental wellness care, reach out to our WELL partners at Focus Mental Wellness.
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