The best holiday gift to give family and friends is your own good health. After all, who wants to spend time with a grumpy, exhausted, sick person?
We struggle to find the ideal gift, face mounting bills and patiently endure annoying company. The increase in social activities at this time of year can be draining. Practice good lifestyle habits and you’ll handle holiday stresses that can weaken your immune system and affect your mood. Here are suggestions to keep you relaxed, in control and in peak health!
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep contributes to poor health. Schedule your social activities so you’re not up late every night. Nap during the day, if you must. Relaxation time is important too. Escape to a warm bath, enjoy a good book or relax to music. Stretch tense muscles periodically throughout the day. Treat yourself to a relaxing reflexology or reiki session or enjoy the invigorating deep-tissue massage of rolfing.
Avoid running last-minute overlooked errands
Plan ahead. Many foods can be prepared or purchased early and frozen. Reduce your workload by having a potluck get-together, or recruit help in some other way.
Set a budget to avoid tolling up credit cards
Pick names or set price limits on gifts. Strapped for time? Shop during less busy times and one-stop shop if possible; this year, buy everyone on your list books, CDs, craft items at a craft fair, or gift certificates (i.e., for a massage or a pedicure). Shopping online or through catalogues is quick and convenient too. Useful gifts are always appreciated: pyjamas, bedding, tea towels and soap. Try practicing the real meaning of the season and focus less on the material aspect we’ve sadly created. Instead of spending money, spend your time with others.
If the holidays have become humdrum, spice them up
Start new traditions, like carolling around your neighbourhood. For the meal, try a buffet-style instead of a formal sit-down affair. Skip the turkey, and serve fish – or how about Chinese or Mexican food? Ask a friend or relative who plays a musical instrument to provide live dinner music and/or a sing-along afterward.
Eat healthfully
Food nurtures the mind to help keep you feeling energetic, thinking clearly and feeling happy. And sensible eating may also help avoid holiday weight gain.
If you regularly exercise, try to stick with it
You’ll help burn extra Christmas calories. In addition, light to moderate activity actually boosts your immune system. Exercise strengthens your mind and body in many ways to help you stay in control during stressful events. However, very intense activity weakens the immune system, which may not be a good idea if you’re already holiday-stressed.
No time for your usual one-hour workout? Try to fit in leisure activities like skating, skiing or brisk walks in the evening to admire neighbourhood lights. Consider a quick, effective 30-minute workout offered at many fitness centres.
Take care of yourself this season. It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Eve Lees was a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Counsellor for 30 years. Currently she is a Freelance Health Writer and Speaker. www.artnews-healthnews.com
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Eve Lees has been active in the health & fitness industry since 1979. Currently, she is a Freelance Health Writer for several publication and speaks to business and private groups on various health topics.