Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Health Tips for November 23

Health Tip: Treat Yourself Well During the Holidays

The holidays can be physically, emotionally and financially overwhelming. So take care to avoid letting the stress of the season get you down.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to take care of yourself during the holidays:

  • Keep up with your regular exercise routine, and stick to a regular schedule of healthy, nutritious meals.
  • Get plenty of sleep each night.
  • Find a few minutes to do something fun each day.
  • Make sure your holiday goals are realistic.
  • Enjoy the season with people who are supportive.
  • Take a break from your hectic schedule when you need it.

Health Tip: Keep Stress Off the Holiday Meal Menu

If you are one of the many people who have high expectations for your holiday gatherings, a few simple steps can help reduce your stress on Thanksgiving:

  • Shop for perishable items well ahead of time and have a list ready for what you need to buy immediately before the holiday.
  • If you're going to use the good silver and china, get it ready before Thanksgiving.
  • Try to get everyone to share the chores. Also, cutting some corners, for example, purchasing a pie rather than making one from scratch, is also OK.
  • Don't stress over making a meal that's both tasty and healthy. Just do what you can to cut down on fat, sugar and other unhealthy ingredients, watch serving sizes and plan to eat healthy the rest of the week.
  • Limit your driving. You don't have to see every family member in one day. Alternate years that you visit relatives on Thanksgiving or celebrate with them another day.
  • Take time to give thanks for what you have and encourage your children to do the same. Consider donating items to the food bank to help those who are dire straits.

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