5 Tips to Stay Happy and Healthy this Festive Season
The month of December is always labelled as the jolly, holiday season where we eat, drink and be merry. At the same time, it could also be a stressful season where many of us are meeting deadlines before the year end, making numerous shopping trips to find the perfect gifts, not to mention worrying about post-holiday credit card bills and the extra weight gained from the festive delicacies! But fret not, with some reminders and self control in check, you can stay healthy and happy this festive season!
Begin Your Day On A Positive Note
How you start your day is more important than you think. It is tempting to hit the snooze button when the alarm rings. Also, once you open your eyes, it is pretty easy to start thinking about your to-do list. Instead, try to make your first few thoughts pleasant- think about the things that you can do throughout the course of the day that will be fun and/or rejuvenating for you. Focus on what you are grateful for, is a great way to focus on the positive. This is important to do first thing in the morning because it sets the tone for the day. If we start our day grounded, we are not as easily influenced by others. It helps us stay focused and centered.
Keep Stress and Mental Health In Check
If you are feeling stressed out, you are not alone. The tempo of things happening in this last month of the year can be rather intimidating as we are all rushing for something. Taking the time to stop and breathe, focus on the present and finding solutions is a good way to manage your anxiety level. Accept that there are events that you cannot control. Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
Be Mindful Of Your Food And Drink Intake
We tend to gain weight during this time of the year, as all the holiday events involve food! Often, it is food like desserts, candies, heavy entrees, sugary drinks like eggnog, and alcohol. If you can’t resist the temptation, then control the portion! Or have a light snack before the heavy meals to avoid overeating.
Research also shows over-consuming alcohol can adversely impact your immune system. Instead of alcohol, consider sipping on mineral water or club soda with lime. It’s a refreshing alternative that will also keep you well hydrated.
Maintain Hygiene and Immune health
After the covid pandemic, we are all more conscious about hygiene and cleanliness around the house. With the many gatherings happening, it is hard to avoid exposure to people who are sick or unwell. Always make sure you wash your hands, wear a face mask if necessary and keep your immune system health in check. Though it is a holiday season, the supplements are not on holiday!
Get Enough Rest And Sleep
Stress and sleep are closely linked. Stress can adversely affect sleep quality and duration, while insufficient sleep can increase stress levels. Create a sleep ritual where you shut off electronics an hour or two before bed, take a hot bath, and create ways to unwind.
Consider using essential oils to help you safely fall and stay asleep. If you find stress keeps you awake, keep a journal by your bed and write down your worries. They’ll still be there when you get up, but you’ll be better equipped to handle them with a good night’s sleep.
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