The holidays bring around a lot of good feelings to others, from quality time with loved ones to enjoying hot chocolate on a cold day. During this time, it is extremely important to remember to take time for ourselves to recharge, as this can often end up being a very overwhelming time. Maintaining your personal health throughout the holidays is the best way to stay happy for the months that follow. Here are some of the common problems through the holidays and how to combat them:
Overeating
With all of the visiting family and delicious food prepared, it is no surprise that overeating is one of the most searched topics during the holidays. There are a few ways to feel full during the holidays, without overdoing it:
- Indulge on big days. Thanksgiving and Christmas are days typically meant for large meals and snacks, and it can be tempting to dive into those leftovers for days after. If you limit your large eating days to the important ones, it’s easier to feel full but not overstuffed.
- Stay hydrated and avoid drinking too much alcohol. Moderation is key and drinking one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage can help avoid any bad feeling later.
Seasonal Depression
With many people working from home this winter, mental health is a bigger focus now more than ever. Up to 20% of Americans experience seasonal depression throughout the winter months. There are many resources that can help with more severe cases, but following these general tips can help improve your mental health:
- Get outside as much as you can throughout the day. Going for walks at lunchtime or keeping your blinds open throughout the day can help improve your sunlight intake.
- Sleep, if you are tired. An increase in stress is directly linked to poor sleep. Improving the quality, and the amount of sleep you get on a daily basis can substantially improve your mental health.
Holiday Stress
As enjoyable and fun as the holidays can be, there is also a level of stress added that is not there during the rest of the year. If hosting parties, there is pressure to make sure everything is going smoothly. If traveling, there are noisy, crowded airports adding to the general stress of traveling. While unexpected problems arise, there are ways to combat general stress from the holidays:
- Take moments to stop and be thankful. It is easy to forget the real reason behind why we love the holidays, so taking moments throughout the day to think of family and loved ones can make a huge difference.
- Make time for the little things you enjoy. Take a break from the craziness of the holidays to unwind with a good book or a cup of tea.
