The holiday season is approaching and that usually means your health is put on the sidelines. However, that doesn’t have to be the case this year. Instead of trying to get your health back on track after the holidays pass, you can take steps now to keep an eye on your health during this upcoming season.
Try Mindful Eating
There’s bound to be lots of treats and large meals over the holidays. Mindful eating is a tool you can use to prevent yourself from overindulging. When you eat mindfully, you’re more aware of the food you are eating as well as your body’s reaction to food. Before eating, take time to consider everything you’re eating. Eat your food slowly and savor each bite. During the holidays, there are certain tactics you can use to encourage mindful eating. You can eat with your non-dominant hand. Review all the food options available at a buffet before you start to fill your plate. You can also sit down while you’re eating and avoid multitasking.
Be Conscious of Your Alcohol Consumption
The holidays are a time when many people indulge in drinking. Of course, it’s all up to individual choice but you should be aware of how your alcohol consumption affects you and those around you. For example, you wouldn’t want to be the person who gets drunk and ruins the event for everyone else. It’s important to know that excessive drinking can have many short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects include alcohol poisoning, accidents, and other risky behavior. Long-term, it can affect your immune system, memory, blood pressure, and your relationships. You should watch out for the signs of alcoholism in yourself and others. These signs include an uncontrollable need to drink, making excuses to drink, extreme mood swings, and prioritizing drinking over other responsibilities.
Manage Your Stress
While the holidays can be a joyful time, they are also accompanied by varying levels of stress. This stress can arise from busy schedules, too much time together, increased spending and more. It’s important that you know how to manage holiday stress because your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Make sure you plan well to avoid being overwhelmed and don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself.
This year has been accompanied by many changes, so what’s one more? Instead of ignoring your health you can take control and be mindful of it. Once the holidays are over, you’ll be grateful for your own effort.
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