10 Important Tips To Help You Stay Healthy And Safe This Holiday

Holidays are traditionally associated with weight gain and high-stress level. Here are 10 important tips to help you stay healthy and safe while you can enjoy the holidays with your family and friends.

TIP #1: EAT HEALTHY:

Keep healthy snacks and foods handy. Cook a healthy holiday menu, and fill your plate with healthy options like fruits and vegetables instead of salty or sugary treats.

TIP #2 PREVENT INFECTIONS:

Hugs, kisses and handshakes are great ways to spread infections like colds, flus and gastroenteritis. Prevent them by washing your hands often or using an antibacterial gel. Vaccinate yourself with the flu vaccine.

TIPS #3: PRIORITIZE EXERCISE:

Stay active and exercise most days of the week. Exercise boosts endorphins as well as feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, which help in relieving holiday stress.

TIP #4: LEARN TO SAY NO:

Think twice before you take food and decide if you really want it. Just because your coworker brought in homemade cookies doesn’t mean you need to eat them. Try to keep the splurge limited to specific times like Christmas Day rather than throughout the holidays.

TIP #5: HYDRATE:

You need 64 ounces of fluids daily. Choose water rather than alcohol, soda or juice.

TIP #6 SLEEP WELL:

Adults need on average, at least 7 to 9 hours
of sleep every night.
Adequate sleep is important for daily function, general wellbeing and mental health.

TIP #7 LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:

Excessive use can cause liver damage, heart problems, and even cancer.

TIP #8 TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF:

Between shopping, cooking and hosting, make sure you take some time every day to relax and reduce stress.
Go for walks, enjoy music, read a book or watch a favorite movie. Pamper yourself!

TIP #9 FOCUS ON FAMILY AND FUN, NOT FOOD:

Do fun activities such as throwing a football, playing board games or go for an outing to enjoy holiday lights.

TIP #10 BE GRATEFUL:

Take some time to reflect and be grateful for your family, friends, job, your health, and any other blessing. Expressing gratitude improves mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, besides setting a positive tone to your day.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

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