It is very common to feel stressed and run-down during the season where everyone is celebrating the holidays. With Halloween coming up, it is time to start thinking about the holiday season and regulating your lifestyle to keep your body in top shape throughout the season. Because there is so much stress during the holidays, your immune system can get weaken and the overall power of your body becomes weaker. You may even end up sick if you don’t take the time to take care of yourself.
Here are some simple rules to follow to help you make it through the holidays:
*Get enough sleep
Stick to your regular sleep routine as much as you can, even if you have weeknight holiday events, relatives visiting or you’re visiting others.
Make the effort to get the same amount of sleep.
Plan your outings, so you get enough rest.
Lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to illness.
*Eat well
Don’t try to lose weight during the holidays.
Eat small, lower-calorie meals during the day so you can enjoy celebration foods without overdoing your calorie intake for the day.
Take the edge off your hunger before a party.
Eat a small, low-fat snack, such as fruit or a bagel, before you head out the door.
Choose raw vegetables with a small amount of dip — just enough to coat the end of the vegetable — are a good choice.
Go easy on fried appetizers and cheese cubes.
Make your first helping small. That way, if your host or hostess expects you to take seconds, the total amount will be about the same as a normal-size portion.
*Visit the Gym
Keep your workouts in throughout the holidays.
Take the time to take care of yourself and visit the gym for a great workout.
Invite relatives, who are visiting for out of town, to join you at the gym for a workout – they may want to take spin or kick boxing class.
*Save One Day for Yourself.
Take some private time for yourself.
Don’t make it a big deal, just do it.
Relax, read and learn something new, take a bath or take a nap.
You deserve it!
*Add Extra Walks or Outdoor Activities
Going for a walk with family or friends is a great treat during the holidays. It’s extroverting and relaxing.
Consider taking a bicycle ride with the family or friends, go on a hike out in the country or even meet some friends at the nearby part for a play date with your kids.
Getting outside for an hour or two will give you extra energy to keep up with a hectic holiday schedule.
*Avoid Excessive Drinking
Excessive drinking can lower your immune system and make it even more likely that you will get sick.
Try sparkling water and a lime twist rather than wine, champagne or a mixed drink.
For example, set a limit of two glasses of wine and drink sparkling water thereafter. You’ll feel better the next day.
*Listen to Your Body
If you do start to feel ill and run-down, slow down and rest.
Whatever remedies you have to check your illness take action with those remedies, whether it’s visit the chiropractor or taking a dose of oregano oil, garlic capsules and homeopathic or naturopathic treatments.
Keep in mind that you don’t want to end up with a cold or flu during the holidays. So, listen to your body and take precautions. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the holidays wisely – it’s such a festive time of year.