Keep Healthy and Happy This Holiday Season

This year is flying by.  It’s hard to believe that 2024 is nearing an end.  The holiday season will be here before we know it.  Many people are already planning their Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas celebration and how to ring in the New Year. Regardless of your age, you need to stay healthy so you can make the most of the holidays for yourself, your friends and loved ones. To stay healthy during the holiday season, prioritize staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, manage stress, and practice good hygiene by washing your hands often, especially when around others.

 

General Health Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for celebration, but with busy schedules and festive treats, it’s easy to overlook our health. To help you feel your best all season long, consider these simple tips to keep yourself in top shape.

Drink plenty of fluids: During the busy holiday season, sometimes thirst takes a back seat. Drink a large glass of water to start the day and hydrate between every meal to stay energized.

Get your sleep: Getting enough sleep is important to maintain your health, manage stress, and stay healthy during the holidays. If you are sleep deprived, it is harder to maintain a healthy blood sugar, and being tired can add stress, make you more susceptible to illness, and make you overeat.

Eat a balanced diet: Aim to eat balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your immune system strong. Keep a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables to support your immune system.

Keep moving: Exercise and physical activity helps reduce stress and can help you maintain your weight and health if you are eating more than usual. If you don’t have time, break your activity into smaller sessions – take the stairs, walk with family and friends after a meal, or take the dog for a long walk.

Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially in group settings, to help prevent the spread of germs.

 

Healthy Holiday Habits

Stay healthy this holiday season! Here’s some simple habits to keep you feeling great all season!

Keep healthy options visible: Instead of the traditional candy bowl, keep fresh fruit, vegetables, and plain nuts within reach to keep you energized throughout the day.

Bring a healthy dish to a holiday party: Move away from prepackaged foods and ready-made dishes. Create dishes that incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that will add extra colors, nutrients, and will make your dish the talk of the party.

Keep stress to a minimum: Incorporate stress reduction methods like yoga, walking, or strength training. And practice deep breathing for a minute each day.

Don’t skip meals: Skipping meals to save calories for later can lead to Don’t skip meals. overeating. Eat healthy balanced meals and snacks throughout the day so you’re not too hungry on the way to the dinner party.

Drink plenty of fluids: During the busy holiday season, sometimes thirst takes a back seat. Drink a large glass of water to start the day and hydrate between every meal to stay energized.

Stick to your routines: Exercise, bedtimes, meals, and social engagements are essential to your overall health, which is why we build routines around them. Having a routine helps essentials feel like a natural part of your day.

Be careful to avoid Injury: When shopping, take precautions. Some items may be heavy. Use a cart or ask for assistance from a store employee. Don’t carry too many bags or boxes at once. Decorating both inside and outside often involves ladders and step stools. Take all necessary precautions when using them to avoid a fall that could injure you.

Make yourself the priority: Always remind yourself of the importance of eating healthy and staying physically active. Give your body the gift of good health.

 

 

Tips for Traveling During the Holidays

Traveling during the holidays? Stay healthy on the go with these simple tips.

Sanitize frequently: Always have hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes handy for you and family members.

Pack your own items: Consider bringing your own blankets, pillows, and neck pillows for comfort and hygiene.

Disinfect high-touch surfaces: Wipe down hotel doorknobs, handles, and other high-touch surfaces.

 

Germ Control and Staying Healthy in Crowded Spaces

Between shopping trips, festive outings, and family gatherings, it is important to try to control the spread of germs to keep yourself healthy. Consider the following tips to keep yourself healthy this holiday season:

Have remedies on hand: Stock up on over-the-counter cold and flu remedies.

Wash hands often: Remind family members to wash hands regularly.

Disinfect surfaces: Wipe down countertops, TV remotes, cell phones, and fridge handles.

Limit handshakes and sharing: Avoid shaking hands or sharing drinks and personal items.

Keep your distance: Maintain space if someone around you seems visibly unwell.

 

 

Self-Care Tips During the Holiday Season

Giving yourself a break during all the holiday festivities and focusing some of your time on self-care is another important aspect of your health. Don’t hesitate to implement some of these self-care care tips:

Say no when needed: Don’t be afraid to say no to keep yourself from becoming over-extended.

Take quiet moments: Take time for yourself, a little quiet can do wonders for your attitude.

Let go of perfection: Don’t expect perfection, focus on enjoying your family, activities and the atmosphere.

Move when possible: Keep active and do a short workout or walk during any free time.

 

Healthy Eating for Special Dietary Needs

During the holiday season it’s easy to eat, drink and be merry, and forget that you have diabetes, or another health condition that is impacted by your diet. Take time to assess your health, see where you could make improvements, and make a plan for better eating, more exercise.

Diabetes awareness: If you don’t have diabetes, but have a family member or friend who does, please consider their dietary restrictions when preparing holiday meals, or gifts of food and drinks. Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring food. Planning healthy meals can keep you, your family and friends safe and healthy through the holidays.

Eating plan tips:

• • Stick to mealtimes: Eat at or near your usual meal times to keep your blood sugar steady. If you are eating later than normal, have a small, healthy snack, then eat less of your meal later.
  • Outsmart the buffet: Start with vegetables and fruits, and take your time eating, it takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize your fullness. If you are hosting – make sure there are plenty of fruits and vegetables available and consider a healthy fruit tart or berries and cream dessert instead of a heavy cake or pie.
  • Enjoy favorites in moderation: Eat the foods you love in small amounts, especially if you only have them at the holidays, and balance sweets and healthy food with lighter, healthier food such as vegetables and fruit.
  • Keep moving: Exercise and physical activity helps reduce stress and can help you maintain your weight and health if you are eating more than usual. If you don’t have time, break your activity into smaller sessions – take the stairs, walk with family and friends after a meal, or take the dog for a long walk.

 

 

Here’s to a Happy Healthy Holiday Season

By following these simple tips, you can make the most of the holiday season while staying healthy and energized. Whether you’re at home or traveling, taking small steps to prioritize hydration, nutrition, hygiene, and self-care can make a big difference. Stay active, manage stress, and be mindful of your health so you can fully enjoy the festivities with friends and family. Here’s to a happy, healthy holiday season!

 

As much as people look forward to the holidays, it can bring worries to family members as well. You may discover that your loved one’s health has changed significantly since your last visit. It’s a possibility they are in need of moving to a senior living community that can provide care and offer assistance with their daily activities. If you or your loved one is in need of memory support services, consider taking a tour one of The Ohio Masonic Communities‘ campuses. With three locations across Ohio—Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina—each offers a memory care neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our communities offer a homelike atmosphere where residents can maintain as much independence as possible while living in a safe, secure environment. Our communities are dedicated to helping older adults live their best lives. To learn more give us a call at 1-877-881-1623 or schedule a visit.