Staying Healthy Through the Holiday Hustle
Nov 27, 2023
The Christmas season is upon us, which is such a special time of year. But this time of year can also be characterized by overworking, overindulging and even overreacting for many of us. If you are traveling to see our loved ones over the holidays, or are busy visiting multiple friends and relatives, you may have to put pause on your healthy routines and habits. In fact, it’s vital to keep up with your well-being during this busy season so you can feel your best while celebrating with those that you love.
Here are 7 tips for staying healthy during the holiday hustle.
Getting home during the holiday season can feel like a whirlwind, particularly if you’re traveling on an airplane, bus or train, but prioritizing your health doesn't have to take a back seat. Make mindful choices while on the move. Stay hydrated by sipping water regularly and pack your own nutrient-rich snacks like fruits, nuts and granola bars to keep your energy levels up.
If you’re flying, take advantage of any opportunity to stretch your legs and move around, whether it's a stroll down the aisle or a quick standing stretch. You’ll feel less achy and tired when you arrive at your destination.
Sticking to your normal healthy routine during the holidays can be difficult—especially if you’re eating with family and friends rather than cooking for yourself. Try to nourish your body with fruits and vegetables when available and remember to drink lots of water throughout each day.
Ultimately, the holidays are about joy, being together and making memories. Allow yourself some grace if you eat more sweets than usual or can’t make your superfood smoothie every morning—enjoying the time with your loved ones is more important.
Traveling for the holidays or having your family over to your house doesn’t mean you need to sit still. Your exercise routine may not look exactly the same as the one you practice daily, but moving your body each day is a good way to keep your physical and mental health in shape.
Embrace the opportunity to explore your surroundings, be it a new city or the familiar streets of your hometown. You can make daily movement a family activity and involve everyone you’re celebrating with. Why not start a new tradition of a post-turkey trot or find a yoga class online for everyone to try in your backyard? Make movement fun and inclusive.
Holiday parties and family reunions often mean celebrating with a fun cocktail or a glass of wine. Staying hydrated not only makes you feel better the next day, but also supports your overall well-being while away from home. Moderation and drinking a glass of water throughout the night will let you enjoy the festivities without the headache.
So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as reported by the Mayo Clinic, determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:
The holidays can be a whirlwind of activity, but don't forget to carve out moments of quiet for yourself. Whether it's a few minutes of deep breathing, a mindful stroll outside or a short meditation practice, these small pauses can have a big impact on your day and sense of mental well-being.
As simple as it sounds, you may need to write yourself into your own schedule. We often put ourselves last or hope to somehow carve out time for ourselves. The truth is, we need to make a conscious effort. Treat it like any other appointment; if it’s on your schedule, it becomes legitimate.
Sleep is essential for a balanced mood, weight control and reduced stress, among numerous other benefits for warding off sickness, disease, and health problems. During the holidays our routines can sometimes become very disrupted. Try hard to stick to your normal sleep schedule by informing guests, family members and friends about your schedule. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, but if others are aware of your routine and your prioritization of sleep, it can facilitate others to respect your schedule and hold you accountable to it.Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep nightly to be at their best.
Naps can also be a helpful way to give yourself some time to relax, re-energize, and reset to help you maintain a happy, healthy attitude during busy days and evenings.
Before the holidays arrive, make sure that you have all your prescriptions filled and remember to take them (at your normal times) if you are away from home. Consider stocking your medicine cabinet with over-the-counter allergy and pain medicine like Tylenol or Advil for you and your guests. If you start feeling sick, consider coming to a FMC walk-in office visit and get checked out so you can get on track to feeling better quickly, so you don’t miss out on all the holiday fun. The patient portal and/or Healow app is another way to communicate with your FMC provider if you are unwell or need refills.
Finally, consider others if you are sick. Take extra precaution around those who might have a compromised immune system. Avoid hugging or touching them, wash your hands frequently, and skip the party/gathering all together if you have a fever or feel really unwell. Also, it’s not too late to get a flu shot. If you get it now, your immunity should be built just in time for Christmas. Flu is not a good gift for anyone, so take precaution now to protect yourself and others around you.