Guide to a Healthy Holiday Season
The winter months are known for serving sickness on a silver platter. Pair frigid temperatures with irregular sleep cycles, fewer than the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, one too many glasses of wine and a whirlwind social calendar, and you’ll find yourself sipping the perfect cocktail for a Christmas common cold. But a stuffy nose isn’t the only health risk at this time of year — the holidays can be hazardous to your health, affecting everything from blood pressure to your psyche.
A recent study in the U.S revealed a 4.2% spike in cardiac-related deaths outside hospitals from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7. Norway, Sweden, and Canada noticed similar trends in 2021. Experts speculate that many of these holiday-hiccups could be linked to elevated heart rate, blood pressure, body weight, cholesterol, general cardiovascular disease risk, and a change in activity levels — which usually rise in the winter months. Something interesting to take note of this merry season!
Here’s a heartful tip for your festive gatherings: hydration! Small habits such as setting a reminder on your phone to enjoy a glass of water will do wonders for our warm hearts. To indulge in heart-healthy snacks, crunch on carrots with hummus, salads, and fruits! However, instead of fearing scrumptious holiday treats, indulge with intention. Embrace mindful mindsets, relishing in your faves mindfully, and waiting 20 minutes before another helping will surely help your body strike that balance. Give yourself permission to indulge. Set aside at least 15 minutes to enjoy your favourite holiday indulgence. Whether it be a lovely cup of hot chocolate, or a chocolate chip cookie, pick your indulgence, plan your moment and enjoy it guilt free.
Not only must we worry ourselves with physical stressors, but the holidays can also leave your wallet feeling a little less merry. Diving into the season of giving, navigating the financial maze by budgeting, shopping smart, and embracing DIY (do-it-yourself) gifts can help you avoid over spending leading to stress and anxiety during a supposedly relaxing time.
’Tis is the season to start being mindful of our health this holiday! From the temptation of buying gifts for our loved ones to feasting on those delicious Christmas sugar cookies, let’s not forget to take care of our health during the holiday festivities. So, as you wrap up with last-minute gift shopping and receiving, give yourself the best gift of a healthy body and mind. May all your holidays be filled with comfort, family, and friends. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and heartwarming holiday season!
This blog post was written by Amritha Rameshkanna and Alice Zhou.
