5 tips to keep yourself healthy through the holidays

It is the time of year when most of us become even busier than normal (which is already pretty busy) for a few weeks. Seeing friends and family, enjoying festive fun holiday events, attending the kids’ holiday programs, and, of course, eating all of the food: it is all so much fun … and so exhausting.

This means it is also the time of year when you need to make sure you carve out a little time each day for yourself. Here are five simple ways to help you stay healthy so you can enjoy the season:

1. Stay hydrated. ‘Tis the season of pumpkin spice lattes and festive cocktails. While you don’t have to forego all the deliciousness, do limit the number you have each day. Most importantly, make sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout your day. It is easy to get distracted and forget the water. However, your body and mind will work so much better when you stay hydrated. And you need that to keep up with everything!
2. Make time to exercise. We’ve already established that you are busy, but you are never too busy to fit in exercise. If you are having trouble getting into a routine, just keep it simple. For example, squeeze in a quick walk during your lunch break. Stopping at the grocery store on the way home? Make a loop or two around the outer aisles before you actually start shopping. Not only will exercise give you more energy, but it will also help offset the extra calories we tend to take in during the holidays. As a bonus, research shows that exercising can help boost the immune system.
3. Get enough sleep. This is another tough one. There is so much happening that you may find yourself staying up much later than you normally do. Many people don’t get enough sleep regularly. Yet adequate sleep is so important to help you stay healthy and have enough energy to make it through the day. One important tip is to avoid being on your phone at bedtime. Also, while you don’t want to do vigorous exercises just before hopping into bed, gentle stretching can help you relax and wind down.
4. Look forward to the activities you enjoy. There are probably some holiday events you feel obligated to attend but aren’t very excited about. Make sure you balance those with activities you do enjoy. Do you look forward to holiday shopping with friends, looking at Christmas lights, or attending a concert with your significant other? Great! Keep in mind that simple activities will also help you stay grounded. Whether it is listening to music, reading a book, or having a few quiet minutes to sip a cup of tea, time for you can help you better manage the stresses of day-to-day life.
5. Spread the joy. Sometimes we get so caught up in all we have to do that we forget to show gratitude and share kindness. But when we focus on others instead of ourselves, we find that we can enjoy even the little things more.

Small things can make such a big difference in how we feel. Pay attention to your health this holiday season so that you can enjoy the festivities and time with friends and family.