Should you healthify your holidays?

Should you healthify your holidays?

The holiday season is here again and there's going to be lots of merrymaking as well as more than enough to wine, dine and lots to do. But don't forget about your health. You should consider your health plan in whatever you do.

But what if you could enjoy the glorious holiday without sabotaging your health? By following these simple steps, you can stay healthy during the holiday season:

1. Moderation in everything
I will never, ever tell you to avoid all the delicious foods that make this holiday season worthwhile but rather practice moderation. Even if you are on a diet, allow yourself some room for indulgence if you want to. It is the holidays, after all, and it's not every day you can eat Grandma's home baked cake or take a sip of your favorite wine. Eat a balanced meal and drink responsibly. You shouldn't feel guilty about enjoying the foods you love while spending time with people you love. Plus, restricting yourself from certain foods and drinks can lead to you wanting those foods and drinks more and eventually over-indulging them.

2. Try something new to begin the year with
It can be a new form of exercise, learning to cook that meal, reading a book, or travelling to that most famous holiday destination, trying something new this season will lead to increased confidence and a higher level of self-esteem, while also reducing boredom and loneliness. This will help drive your personal growth, improve your health, and increase longevity. By trying new things, you can develop them into healthy habits in the coming year.

3. Practice Gratitude
I encourage you to practice gratitude this season of merry, from Christmas through the New Year, the holiday season reminds us to be grateful for what we have and encourages us to give to those who don't have as much. Practicing gratitude has been shown to help us provide more emotional support to others, lift our mood and even improve sleep.

4. Get enough sleep
You might be thinking of having a great time this holiday season, partying and staying up late, afterall there wont be any work or school to get to. Getting enough sleep is the equally crucial. Good quality sleep helps you avoid getting sick, reduce stress and gets you through that holiday party feeling and looking good. Make sure you are getting at least eight hours sleep every night this holiday for a fresh start. It's the only time you can get eight.

5. Manage stress levels
During the holidays, all of our normal duties and responsibilities are compounded by holiday shopping, extra cooking, caring for children who are out of school, meeting the end of year work deadlines, hosting guests and attending events. No wonder we feel kind of fried by the time we make it to the new year. If it all feels like too much, it probably is. Try to carve out some time for yourself and decompress. This year, try and manage your stress; go for a walk, meditate, watch a comedy show, seek support, relax in your favorite chair... -- don't ignore it or pacify it with a few chocolate biscuits. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Take a break and get some rest!

Take care of your needs, manage your stress and put your mental health first and you'll feel well-rested and happy all the way through the new year.

🎄Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with good health and more wealth.🎄

Nurse Emefa Anet
Efa Care - Your health, your wealth
efacare101@gmail
0241102402/0205223696