The holidays are a time to share good cheer and joy with family and friends. However, the holidays can also be a stressful time both mentally and physically. Pressure to cope with a packed social calendar, dietary concerns, disrupted sleep patterns and exercise schedules are just some of the biggest holiday stressors. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay healthy during the holiday season.
1. Eat in moderation. Temper your urge to indulge during holiday parties and get-togethers. Use a small plate. Opt for healthier food choices such as veggies, fruits, green salads, and lean meats.
2. Watch your alcohol intake. Holiday heart syndrome is the occurrence of irregular heartbeats after bouts of acute binge drinking, usually during holidays. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Drink a glass of water for every glass of wine or bottle of beer you take.
3. Stay active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Regular physical activity has numerous benefits, including lowered cardiovascular risk, weight management, lowered risk for certain cancers, lowered blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and better sleep.
4. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. The quality of your sleep at night directly affects your mental and physical health and how well you feel during the day.
5. Take vitamins and dietary supplements. A healthy, balanced diet provides adequate vitamins and minerals to your body. However, some people who don’t get enough vitamins and minerals from food alone, or who have certain medical conditions, might benefit from daily intake of multivitamins and dietary supplements.
Multivitamin and mineral supplements can help enhance overall wellness. Calcium and vitamin D aid in bone health. Folic acid is vital in preventing birth defects. B vitamins increase energy and aid in neurological functions. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, including those for energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, and muscle movements, among others. Antioxidants help boost the immune system and prevent certain cancers. Both vitamin C and zinc increase immune function.
Talk to your doctor about the multivitamin and dietary supplement that’s right for you.
Shop at Watsons for your vitamins, supplements, and other essential healthcare products.
References: https://www.newswise.com/articles/5-common-holiday-stressors-and-how-to-manage-them. Accessed 24 November 2020 https://familydoctor.org/tips-eating-healthy-holidays/#:~:text=Fill%20your%20plate%20with%20veggies,won't%20be%20too%20hungry. Accessed 24 November 2020 https://www.oregonclinic.com/about-us/blog/5-tips-staying-healthy-during-holidays. Accessed 24 November 2020 https://www.somewherelately.com/2019/11/5-tips-for-staying-healthy-during-the-holidays/. Accessed 24 November 2020 https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/holiday-tips/staying-healthy-on-holiday. Accessed 24 November 2020 https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-to-know-about-holiday-heart-syndrome#Alcohol-and-heart-health. Accessed 24 November 2020 https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need.htm#:~:text=While%20sleep%20requirements%20vary%20slightly,least%20seven%20hours%20of%20sleep. Accessed 25 November 2020 https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm. Accessed 25 November 2020 https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-minerals. Accessed 25 November 2020 https://www.personanutrition.com/blog/improve-health-with-multivitamins/. Accessed 25 November 2020 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-magnesium-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2. Accessed 25 November 2020
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