Healthy for the Holidays

Prioritize your well-being and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

The holiday season is upon us and prioritizing your health and well-being has never been more important. Health is a broad term for many aspects of our well-being. It includes our physical, mental, spiritual, financial, and social health. Each of these aspects of well-being is equally important to manage so we can feel our best and enjoy healthy holidays. The following 'heatlhy holidays tips' will ensure you get the most enjoyment possible in the coming weeks.

Managing our physical health involves nutrition and exercise. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will keep you energized and satisfied. Heart pumping exercises (aiming for at least 30 minutes most days of the week) helps with sleep quality, immune function, and digesting holiday treats. To prevent infection, be sure to wash your hands throughout the day, aim for 8 hours of sleep per night, and stay home if you’re feeling ill!

To protect yourself financially this season, keep a close eye on your spending. If you have children, this is a great occasion to teach them the true meaning of the holidays. Spending time together and celebrating. If you prefer to give gifts, set up a holiday budget (and stick to it!). Consider hand making holiday cards and gifts and be sure to shop local whenever possible to support your community.

Equally important to feeling your best is managing your mental health. With a focus on spending time with friends and families, holiday parties, and giving, this can be an exciting time. It can also be stressful. To ensure mental well-being, be sure to make time for self-care and restorative activities. Share your needs with friends and family, and encourage them to do the same, to create positive supportive relationships.

To tend to your spiritual well-being, take time for reflection and gratitude each day to set yourself up for a positive mindset. When you feel “stuck” or are holding negativity, allow yourself to have your feelings. Then find ways to reframe your thoughts in a positive light. Lastly, think about the things that bring you joy and purpose. Prioritize those things, even if it means saying “no” to obligations and requests of your time.

These aspects of your health are worthy of your time and effort. Prioritize your well-being and encourage your loved ones to do the same, so we can care for each other as we celebrate and enjoy the holidays!