Tips For Staying Healthy During A Holiday

Most individuals enthusiastically agree holidays are the most wonderful times of the year! Holidays commemorate special events worth celebrating, often involve time off work and school, and often involve gatherings full of relatives and close friends. Holidays are usually happy times, but they can also become stressful. Whether hosting a holiday event or simply attending one, it’s important not to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle, resulting in you neglecting your physical and mental health. Even the most anticipated and joyful occasions can take a toll on your body and mind. We’ve compiled five tips to help you enjoy a happy and healthy holiday.

Identifying Sources of Stress

Nothing can hijack a holiday celebration like stress. Often, there’s a subconscious sense of pressure surrounding the holidays. Especially if you are hosting a gathering or spending time with loved ones who tend to push your buttons, you may become panicky as the holiday approaches and not understand why. Identifying sources of stress in the days and weeks leading up to a holiday lets you prepare mentally and physically, so they don’t ruin your fun. Do you become stressed in crowds? Do you worry about overindulging? Do you tend to become run down during holiday events? Everyone is different, but practicing yoga, writing in a journal, going for a run, or getting a massage are examples of ways that may help you prepare for potential sources of stress. If your anxiety is debilitating, speak to your doctor about prescribing anti-anxiety medication. Keep in mind the benefits of these medications may not kick in until you have taken them for a couple of weeks.

Continue reading to learn how to eat healthy during the holidays.