Tips to Self-Care During the Holidays

Thursday - December 20th, 2018

Set yourself up for success this holiday season by prioritizing your health. Trust us! The holidays are no fun if you’re not feeling your best. Don’t sacrifice your health and risk getting run down or too sick to spend precious time with your family and friends. Read these simple tips to help stay well this holiday. And don’t forget to encourage your friends and family to do the same!

Here’s a list you should be checking twice this holiday season.

1. Get your flu shot!

No excuses. Just do it. You don’t want to be the person who’s down with the flu, missing all the holiday fun. In a 2014 study, the CDC noted that people who were treated with the flu vaccination had a greatly reduced chance developing any flu-related illnesses – as much 61%! CDC has a website that allows you to type in your area code to see where is the closest place you can receive the flu shot.

2. Eat a well-balanced meal

Ever heard the phrase, You are what you eat? It’s true. Tempting as it may be, we can’t make it through December on hot cocoa and candy canes. Our diet and nutrition intake have a direct impact on our health. Eating the right foods helps give our immune systems a better chance at fighting viruses and bacteria that attempt to enter our body. Consider the nutritional value in meals because when we’re stressed or overworked, our bodies need those vitamins and nutrients more than usual to stay healthy and sustain our energy.

3. Exercise

We can’t deny that exercise helps promote our mental and physical health all year round. Consistent exercise helps prevent the common cold, decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, strokes, and so much more. Just 30 minutes of exercise three days a week can help reduce stress and lower your blood pressure! But who are we kidding? The real benefit of working out during the holidays is to help avoid the guilt associated with holiday snacking. So your body (and your guilty conscience) a favor and head to the gym, take another lap around the mall, or maybe even go ice skating with the kids! Anything to keep that body moving and healthy.

4. Don’t forget your oral health routine

With the holidays looming, many people take shortcuts in their own health and wellness routines. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Your mouth may be giving you hints of how stressed you are. Watch for symptoms like dry mouth, teeth grinding, canker sores, and tell-tale signs of gum disease. To prevent all of these oral health care problems, remember to keep up your oral hygiene practices by brushing and flossing twice a day. If you’re experiencing symptoms, visit your dentist for examination and discuss your treatment options.

Remember these tips and you’ll be smiling throughout the holidays.