The season of giving and delicious goodies is upon us! Seeing the smiling faces of loved ones gathered around the festively decorated dinner tables is something most of us envision all year.
To get the most out of every holiday occasion, it’s best to balance health and fun. Time away from our typical routines can sometimes cause our healthy habits to fall by the wayside. When that happens, we risk developing illnesses that can lead us to miss the events we’ve anticipated for so long.
With a little prep in advance, you can make it all work and feel your best, too. Here are some tips to stay healthy while you celebrate:
Make Your Meals Merry but Mindful
There’s no need to skip your favorites. Enjoy your holiday meals by being thoughtful about what’s on your plate. Try smaller portions of higher-calorie foods or sugary goodies to savor the season without sacrificing health.
Add some green veggies when you can and keep water handy to stay hydrated, choosing it over sugary or alcoholic drinks when possible. If you have a drink, make sure it’s safe with any medications you take. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s safe to drink alcohol with your medications, it’s best to verify with your doctor or pharmacist.
Stick to Your Medication Routine
Amidst the holiday hustle, it’s easy to forget medications. Keep them handy (yet out of the reach of kiddos), set reminders on your phone, or use a kitchen timer to stay on track. If you have diabetes, make sure to stick to your schedule for blood sugar checks. Staying consistent helps avoid unexpected ER trips and keeps you feeling your best.
Prioritize Rest & Relaxation
The holidays can be energetic, but quality rest is essential. Whether hosting family or visiting loved ones, getting enough downtime is important.
If the little ones wake you up early, offer to read them a bedtime story a little earlier at night so everyone can get a few more winks. Even sneaking in a nap now and again can help you recharge.
Leave some time each day to unwind. Watching your favorite movie or reading a book can refresh your spirit and reduce stress.
Make Time to Move
While taking a breather is great, try to avoid prolonged inactivity. If the weather’s nice, go for a walk or enjoy the fresh air with the family. Movement can also ease digestion, especially when holiday treats are on the menu!
If the weather is poor and you need to move around, consider doing range-of-motion exercises or light workouts indoors. YouTube has many great free options if you need ideas or take a group approach and bring your family to a local yoga class.
Live Well All Year
If you’re struggling to remain healthy at home, CaringEdge may be able to help. Home health services can support those who wish to maintain their health, safety, and independence at home.
Our nursing services can offer IV fluids, medication checks, and even education to you and your family about successfully managing chronic and temporary conditions. If you or a loved one could benefit from home health services, contact us at info@caringedge.com to learn more. A visit to your doctor’s office can be a great first step in getting a home health referral so you can feel your best all year!