The holiday season has once again snuck up on us. Right after you carve the turkey it’s time to string the Christmas lights, followed closely by New Year’s Eve celebrations. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to put your health and wellness on the backburner.
We’ve compiled a list of seven steps to staying healthy during the holidays so that your holiday season is merry and bright:
1. Don’t use the holidays as an excuse to overeat
Your grandmother’s famous apple pie is something you’ve longed for all year. Go ahead and enjoy it, but don’t overindulge. The American Heart Association has created a Holiday Healthy Eating Guide with tips on how to compare nutrition information and smart substitutions for your favorite holiday meals.
2. Take some time for yourself
The holiday spirit can bring on an immense amount of stress. Braving the shopping center and entertaining out of town guests can leave most feeling burnt out by the end of the day. Adding in even 30 minutes of quite, mindful practice into your day can benefit you in the long term. Try using an app like MINDBODY, to find a local yoga studio in your community.
3. Ring in the New Year with H20
Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy during the holidays – but one that most people often forget. Holiday lattes and Christmas themed alcoholic beverages make it harder to grab a glass of water, but the benefits of H20 clearly outweigh sugary sweet holiday libations.
4. Adhere to your prescription routine
It’s estimated that three out of four Americans do not take their medications as directed. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you should stray from your normal prescription routine. How can you remember to take your medications? Try out some of these great tips or register for IWP’s Patient Portal to have immediate access to your prescription information and consultations with our pharmacists.
5. Get up and get moving
Fitness has become insanely accessible within the last decade. Workout DVDs, streaming services and at home equipment make it easy to get your sweat on without having to pay for a gym membership or leave your home. Don’t have enough time for a full workout? Health has put together easy ways to sneak in exercise throughout the day.
6. Don’t forget to delegate
The holidays are a time for sharing and peace. Why not utilize your close family and friends to help make the season a little less stressful and a little more manageable. Task your kids with making Christmas gifts for their teachers, grandparents or siblings. Homemade gifts often have more sentimental value than store bought gifts and will give you a much needed break from holiday shopping.
7. Catch up on your appointments
If you’re dealing with chronic pain or a throbbing toothache, now’s the time to schedule some time to visit your doctor. Even if you’re not feeling ill or injured, preventative care is important, too. Consult Healthgrades calendar to see when the best time of year is for scheduling certain appointments is.