There's something about the holiday season that just puts me in the giddiest mood. The colors, the lights, the goodwill and cheer…
But Christmastime isn't always an enchanting time. With the endless shopping, cooking and baking, and the traveling to and fro, the holiday season can be a very stressful experience.
In fact, according to studies conducted by the American Psychological Association, 68 percent of people report often feeling fatigued during the holidays, leading to increased stress, irritability, and sadness.
And while there are certain things you can do to keep the wintertime blues at bay, there are specific methods for maintaining your good health and happiness this Christmas.
In an exclusive guide below, we take a look at the handiest health tips that will help you brave a stressful holiday season.
The main takeaway is to know where you stand in the middle of it all: organize your schedule the best you can, know that you can't grant everyone's wishes, and remember to make time for yourself.
Scroll further to read about these handy health tips, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
1. Balance Your Expectations
We're all likely to become stressed more easily when the holidays roll around. Just think: you're planning gifts, coordinating dinners, and struggling to keep everyone happy at the same time.
It's important to manage your time, but it's even more imperative to keep your expectations balanced.
Things will go wrong, and plans may change. Just remember: no one is perfect, and some things will inevitably be out of your control.
2. Prevent Cold Sores
Many people are more prone to cold sores during the holiday season.
Stress, a lack of sleep, and overconsumption of sugar, fatty foods, and alcohol all contribute to their cause.
To keep the sores at bay, WebMD suggests that we wash our hands frequently, to repel unwanted bacteria.
Also, try not to share food and drink containers, tableware, and cups — or kiss anyone who already has a cold sore.
3. Make Time For Yourself
The holiday season is a time of giving and doing for others — which is always encouraged!
But if you try to do too much, you'll end up overworking yourself, thus resulting in fatigue and stress.
Schedule to do everything as well as possible, but learn to say "no."
In the end, you'll be able to have more energy to enjoy more time with family and friends, as well as take time to pamper yourself.
4. Enjoy Foods In Moderation
Who doesn't love delicious home-cooked meals during the holiday?
However, with so many back-to-back parties and get-togethers, it can be easy to overindulge — resulting in heartburn, bloating, and general discomfort.
Pace yourself when arriving at parties or dinners, and never arrive too hungry. This will prevent overeating — which you'll thank yourself for later!
5. Take Care Of Your Skin
As the months grow colder, our skin can take quite the beating — especially when we're too busy to nurture it.
Take the time to moisturize every morning and evening, and grab those warm gloves before hitting the mall for shopping!
Also, even though it's winter, be sure to always apply sunscreen. You don't have to be at the beach to be exposed to harmful rays!
6. Grow Indoor Plants
We breathe a larger amount of indoor air in the winter, so it's important to find ways to keep the air clean and free of toxins.
Research has shown that indoor plants can clean and filter the air in our homes, according to Our House Plants.
Try growing English Ivy, which is said to be the number one air-filtering houseplant — or the spider plant, which is helpful in combatting pollutants.
Caring for a plant has also proven to reduce stress levels, which you might be experiencing during the holiday season!
7. Keep Your Head Higher Than Your Stomach
After a good meal with friends and family, most of us like to get up and stretch, or take a quick walk around the block to see the Christmas lights.
But as we've seen in previous post-meal health tips, this is the quickest way you'll get a bout of acid reflux.
Instead, stay in an upright position, and walk away from the dinner table.
This will likely keep you from grabbing second helpings, and help keep that heartburn at bay.
8. Consume Probiotics
To keep your digestion healthy this holiday season, try eating more foods that have natural probiotics.
Sauerkraut, yogurt, pickles, dark chocolate, miso, and sourdough bread are all good for your gut.
In addition to helping with digestion, probiotic-rich foods can help lower the risk of high blood pressure.
They can also help sooth gastrointestinal conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease and constipation.
9. Make A 'Feel-Good' List
During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be hard to make time for ourselves and our family.
Before you set out to spread cheer and joy, be sure to make a list of the things you want to accomplish this season.
This can include a few nights in with your loved ones, tackling a long-neglected project, or starting a fun DIY craft.
Please SHARE if you feel like you're ready to face the holiday season after reading these tips!
