The holidays can be fast-faced, and while they are supposed to be enjoyable, for many people, they result in increased levels of stress and unmet expectations. Staying healthy during the holidays can help decrease your levels of stress and help you accomplish everything you want to accomplish. By taking time to care for yourself, prevent common illnesses, choose healthy foods and beverages, get exercise and take steps to combat excess stress, you can help keep yourself healthy during the holiday season.
Step 1
Plan ahead and get vaccinated for the flu, which can help you avoid the viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 to 20 percent of the population is affected by the flu annually.
Step 2
Continue your regular exercise routine. If you do not exercise, you need to start. Exercise can help keep you healthy, help you avoid unwanted weight gain and reduce your stress. Get 30 to 45 minutes of exercise at least five days each week.
Step 3
Make sleep a priority and get at least eight hours every night. Adequate amounts of sleep can help you effectively deal with stress and reduce your susceptibility to common illnesses.
Step 4
Wash you hands with soap and water after you use the bathroom, when you shake hands with others or if you have coughed or sneezed into your hand. In a pinch, use hand sanitizer.
Step 5
Set aside time for yourself to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, going to a movie or taking up a hobby. This will help reduce the stress associated with the busy holiday season.
Step 6
Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water every day. Water can help you feel full and satisfied, it can provide you with energy, and it provides your body with the nutrients it needs to remain healthy.
Step 7
Avoid binge-drinking alcohol, which is five or more drinks at one sitting for men and four or more drinks for women. According to the Food Consumer website, in the United States, 79,000 people die from excessive alcohol intake annually.
Step 8
Stick to a fiber-rich diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. These foods will help fill you up on fewer calories, which will help you avoid tempting high-calorie holiday treats. Also, fiber will help keep your digestive system functioning properly.
Step 9
Avoid skipping meals, which can reduce your energy levels, leave you deficient in valuable nutrients, decrease your metabolism and make it harder for you to resist high-calorie treats due to your excessive hunger.
Step 10
Engage in stress-relieving activities such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing and massage. Avoid people and situations that trigger your stress. Too much stress can decrease your immune function and make it harder for you to enjoy the holiday season.
Step 11
Call your doctor as soon as you begin feeling sick. Your doctor will be able to provide you with recommendations on how to keep your illness from getting worse.
References
- University of Louisville: Health Today -- Staying Healthy During the Holidays
- Food Consumer: Stay Healthy During the Holidays -- Avoid Binge Drinking
- Johnson County Kansas State University: Tips to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flu Vaccine Facts
