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5 Ways to Stay Healthy During the Upcoming Holidays

These five strategies can help you manage the hustle and bustle of the holidays while also taking care of your overall health and wellness.

By Craig MiddletonPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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While the holidays may be a great time to gather with friends and family, they aren't always so good for your health. Increased pressure, too many things to get done in too little time, and last-minute shopping can lead to irritability, anxiety and stress. Add to that the less than healthy foods that are most commonly on display during the season, and it is no wonder why people often are left exhausted and prone to illness when January rolls around. That's no way to start off a new year, though, so make this holiday season different. These five strategies can help you manage the hustle and bustle of the holidays while also taking care of your overall health and wellness.

1. Load Up on Fruits and Veggies

This is a great way to limit the temptation of cakes and cookies that are bound to be served wherever you go. Instead of filling up on sweets, keep a supply of fresh fruits and vegetables for snacking. This way you can still indulge in dessert, it just won't be the centerpiece of every get-together. If fresh vegetables just aren't your thing, try making smoothies with isolate protein, yogurt, berries and some leafy greens. Not only do they taste great, but smoothies are a convenient way to get an added nutritional boost to help keep you strong and healthy, even during the busy holiday season.

2. Spend Extra Time Outdoors

Shorter winter days often mean less tie outside, but that can have negative consequences for your health. This holiday season, commit to spending tie outside every day, even if it is cold. It doesn't really matter what you do, it is more of the idea that you get outside. So, schedule a short walk, tend to some cold-weather plants or watch the birds while resting on a park bench — just get outside to do it.

Why is it so important to spend time outside? Well, it improves your mood, creativity and productivity for starters. Nature also boosts immune health, so you are less likely to get sick when you spend lots of time outside. Heading outside is also critical to getting the sunlight your body needs to produce sufficient levels of vitamin D. For most people, that's about fifteen to thirty minutes a few times a week. Since vitamin D supports bone health and a host of other biological functions, that means better overall physical health.

3. Sip Water Throughout the Day

Drinking water is perhaps the most important thing you can do for your overall health and wellness, and it is so simple to do. Aim to sip at least eight glasses of the refreshing liquid throughout each day. It is easier for your body to effectively use it that way instead of gulping it down in sporadic sessions. A refillable water bottle can help you keep track of intake and ensures that you won't ever be left thirsty.

4. Maintain Positive Relationships

Don't let the craziness of the holidays get in the way of spending quality time with friends. Humans are, by their very nature, social creatures. Even the most reserved person needs connections with others to thrive. Strong, positive relationships are good for emotional and physical health. People who have them report less stress, healthier lifestyle behaviors and a greater sense of purpose. They also tend to live longer. Those are pretty good reasons to devote time and energy to maintaining a few key social connections.

5. Make Exercise Fun

If you dread the idea of heading to the gym, chances are you aren't going to stick with any exercise routine you develop there. Yet, experts recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Finding an activity you enjoy like hiking, kayaking or indoor rock climbing will help you stay motivated and on track.

Why wait for January to roll around to begin working toward a healthier you? Incorporating these strategies will support your physical and emotional health throughout the entire holiday season, so you can get a head start in those resolutions.

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