12/07/2023 by Kari Perlewitz
The holidays are a season of joy and celebration. However, it can also be a season of overindulgence and unhealthy habits. We know how hard it is to resist all of those delicious baked goodies and warm mugs of eggnog!
This year, we want to help you prioritize your health over the holidays. As with anything, balance is key. And think about it this way: if you can prioritize your well-being now, your New Year’s goals will be even easier to achieve!
So without further ado, here are our seven tips for a healthier holiday season:
Amidst all the holiday festivities, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, especially if you’re consuming alcoholic beverages. Rather than any hard and fast rules about how many ounces you should drink in a day, monitor the color of your urine. If it’s dark, that means you’re not hydrated enough! You can find a helpful chart here — just note that certain medications may cause urine discoloration. Ask your primary care provider if you have questions.
While enjoying your holiday feasts, aim for a more balanced plate. If you can, fill half of your plate with colorful vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and the remaining quarter with whole grains or other complex carbohydrates. Rather than restricting yourself, take time to truly enjoy and savor every bite of your holiday meals. This mindfulness can enhance your eating experience and help you recognize when you’re satisfied.
We’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of screens. The holidays are a perfect time to challenge yourself to schedule some tech-free time! Turn off your phone and other devices and be more present with your family and friends. Disconnecting from screens allows you to fully engage in the holiday moments and build stronger connections with the people you love.
Even though your schedule is probably busier than normal, it’s important to maintain your exercise routine or find fun ways to stay active during the holidays. Whether it’s a family walk, a holiday-themed dance party, or just getting outside to play some sports, keeping your body moving is going to be HUGE when it comes to both your physical and mental well-being. Even just 30 minutes of activity a day can do wonders for your health!
In many families and social circles, alcohol is a part of the holiday celebrations. As always, it’s important to consume it responsibly. Set limits on your alcohol intake, opt for beverages with a lower alcohol content, and really just be mindful of how alcohol impacts your mental and physical health. Remember, moderation is key. If you find that you’re having a hard time managing your alcohol intake, reach out to your primary care provider.
The holiday season can be stressful. If you notice your shoulders are tightening or your thoughts are racing, try practicing some relaxation techniques. Something as simple as deep breathing can make a big difference. If this isn’t enough and you feel like you need to talk to someone, our Behavioral Health team offers short-term counseling for stress, anxiety, and depression. They will help you create a plan to get you back to feeling like yourself again.
Sleep is extremely important, especially during the holiday season. There’s so much extra demand on your time and energy and you need quality sleep to handle it all. Not only is it essential for overall health, sleep also helps you regulate your mood, brain function, and immune system. In a perfect world, adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night, but we know that isn’t always possible. Just do your best and listen to your body!
North Country HealthCare is here to support you and your family’s health throughout the holiday season and beyond. Whether it’s routine check-ups, preventive care, or addressing specific health concerns that come up, our team is committed to keeping you feeling your best.
Schedule an appointment today and make your health a priority. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season!
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