Protect Your Health During the Holidays

By: Red Hot Mamas

Published: December 11, 2022

“Love the giver more than the gift.”

– Brigham Young

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

Happy Holidays from the Red Hot Mamas!

Holidays are a time to celebrate. But, oftentimes, the holidays bring on great stress. This is always true for me. And some of you probably feel the same way.

Many of us are juggling a lot of responsibilities. We also try to buy thoughtful gifts for our family members and friends. And, even when we can do this on-line, it still can be very frustrating and exhausting. And, to make matters worse, we are even finishing up our job-related activities and end-of-year work.  Wow!

So, I’d like you all not to forget about your health during this busy month. Self-care is vital year-round, but it’s even more important during this stressful holiday season. In fact, it may even be more necessary to spend a little time on self-care.

So, what steps can we take to ensure that we will feel our best now and into the fresh new year ahead of us? Here are a few ways to do so:

• Manage stress by giving yourself a break. Moderation in all that you do should be your mantra. Avoid taking on too much as you will become stressed and fatigued. And stop trying to be a perfectionist. Perfectionists bring on a lot of internal stress and unlimited worries. Try meditating, deep-breathing exercises, yoga, writing in a journal, and taking time out just for yourself.
• Keep yourself organized. Make lists so you won’t feel stressed about having to do things at the last minute.
• If your money resources are drained, it’s best to stick to your budget to maintain peace of mind. Not sticking to your budget certainly will bring on feelings of anxiety. You truly don’t have to buy an avalanche of gifts. You can even give your family homemade gifts as an alternative. Or even donate to a specific cause that is important to them (like Meals on Wheels, etc.) Just be sure to decide on how much money you can afford to spend.
• Take advantage of online shopping, free shipping, discounts, suggestion lists can ease holiday stress
• Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Establish healthy habits:
• Eat healthy meals.  Choose your indulgences carefully. Be cognizant of what you eat and steer away from all those holiday goodies. Keep them out of your reach. And remember that a post meal walk will burn calories!
• Include regular physical activity in your daily routine. Maintain an exercise program. Just keep moving! Be active at least 2 ½ hours a week.
• Get plenty of sleep
• Avoid excess alcohol use

I wish you peace and joy during the holiday. Please stay in the spirit of the season with good health. Happy Holidays.

Good health to you all,

Karen Giblin