Tips To Stay Healthy and Happy During the Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again. The holidays signify a time of connecting with loved ones, taking part in holiday events, and travel. It’s a busy time for many of us as well, which can lead to increased stress and less self care. As you prepare for this holiday season, make sure that you are taking some proactive tips to stay healthy sooner rather than later.

1. Be Mindful of What You Are Eating

It’s ok to indulge a bit during the holiday season and enjoy a tasty treat or two, but be mindful of what you are consuming. The average adult will gain between 0.8 and 2 pounds during the holiday season. While that may seem to be a small amount, it is still important to be aware of the lapse in healthy habits the season can cause.  If you are attending a holiday event later in the evening, consider eating a meal beforehand. A meal, even a lighter one, will help curb overeating and “grazing” during the event.  If the event is one with family members, consider packing a small healthy snack. A bag of mixed nuts or dried fruit can help you to avoid eating too many sweet treats.

2. Get Enough Sleep

It’s reported that 13.5% of adults older than 18 regularly admit to feeling tired or exhausted most days. Take that statistic and add in the stress of the holidays, the combination could be a recipe for illness. Statistics show that the average adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep per night. However, many do not achieve that number on a regular basis. As you move into the busy times of the holiday season, plan your days with the goal of maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Are there patterns in your daily schedule that could be eliminated to allow for more sleep? Ask yourself this and be mindful of how you organize your days as you get closer to Christmas.

3. Move Regularly

Through the year, we aim to engage in regular activity to keep our bodies (and minds) active and healthy. The holiday season is not an excuse to let those habits fall by the wayside. Find moments throughout the day to stretch and move your body if maintaining a regular workout schedule isn’t possible during these busy weeks. Studies show that moving even just 30 minutes a day can lead to numerous benefits including cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal benefits. This time spent moving can be as simple as going for a walk with a friend or co-worker during your lunch break or after a dinner with loved ones. 

4. Find Support

Often, the holidays can be difficult for many of us. Whether it’s the added stress of holidary season finances on an already strained budget, or spending the first holiday season without a loved one present, a myriad of different emotions can affect and influence that time.

While we can’t always control our emotional responses during the holidays, having support can help manage them significantly. For some, this support will come through regular therapy sessions. Finding a therapist that can work with you during these times of heightened sensitivity can be a huge relief. For others, support may come through having a friend or family member to talk to, or even finding time for exercise or other outlets. Whatever your support system looks like, it’s important to tap into that over the holiday season. Stress can lead to a host of other struggles which can ultimately weaken your immune system. It’s important to have a plan to deal with stress ahead of time.

Join the Movement

At Solidarity HealthShare, we are committed to providing our Members with the care and support they need for each season of the year and of their lives. From wellness visits to unlimited mental health counseling services, our Members can rest assured that their individual needs will be held through our comprehensive care options. We also offer a Solidarity Well program to new members who are working toward health goals with the help of a personalized plan to meet their needs and a coach to guide them along the way. Click the banner below to learn more!