Before I jump into today’s column, I must say Happy Holidays to all you readers.
For many of us, this holiday season really is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s an opportunity to spend time with family, give thanks, watch sports, exchange gifts and enjoy parties.
All of this activity can be a lot of fun – it can also be exhausting and stressful. However, I would like to urge you and your families to have a special and memorable holiday season, and that starts with looking out for your health and safety first. Here are a few key ways to stay safe and healthy this holiday season:
If you aren’t already, get vaccinated
With the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, circling the globe, the time to protect yourself and loved ones is now as there will be an increase in gatherings during the holidays. And as we all know, the more people gather, the more the likelihood of contracting the deadly virus. So if you haven’t already been vaccinated, do it now as cases are projected to spike during the holidays.
The last thing you want during the holidays is to be sick or hospitalized.
Enjoy the food in moderation
Of course the best part of the holiday season is the great meals we get to enjoy. While holiday foods may tend to be on the rich side, much of the traditional holiday food is not terrible for you, in and of itself.
The problem with holiday dining is that we tend to simply eat too much fat, sugar and salt. Having some pepperpot, baked chicken, mashed potatoes with fried rice or a reasonably-sized slice of lasagna is not going to cause devastating weight gain. The problem tends to be that we simply eat too much of all this good food.
We load an excessive amount of food on our plates and maybe go back for seconds.
If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, there are some simple things you can do to ensure the holiday season doesn’t mean an unhealthy intake of sugar or salt. If you’re doing the cooking, it’s easier to know the foods you’re serving aren’t loaded with ingredients that adversely affect your health. If you’ll be dining at a relative’s or friend’s house, it’s best to let them know of any dietary restrictions before you arrive (and if you’re a host, it’s always a good idea to ask your guests this question beforehand).
Find your stress reliever
While the holiday season is supposed to be joyful and fun, the reality for many people is that it can be stressful. Between the decorating, cooking, baking, shopping, travel and entertaining, some try to cram too much into a few short weeks. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, that’s a key sign you need to ease up on yourself. Make time for yourself and do something that relieves your stress – read a book, watch a movie or go for a walk. Remind yourself that everything does not have to be perfect – you, your family and friends will enjoy the holidays the most when you’re relaxed, rested and at ease.
Having a happy and joyous holiday season starts with putting your health and safety first. By taking time to ensure you’re protecting your health, minimizing stress and getting rest, you’ll better enjoy this special time of year and your family and friends will enjoy their time with you. So slow down, give thanks for what you have and take care of yourself.
