By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
From the Harvest Festival candy corn to Thanksgiving mashed potatoes and pies, to Christmas cookies, and New Years goodies, we are planning and racing from one spectacular event to the next. Work loads and family responsibilities don’t change, we just slide the holiday activities in.
The hurried pace can make us cranky. Lack of sleep gives us a headache. We might experience weight gain, possible illness, and not enjoy this favorite time of year.
So how can we celebrate and stay healthy?
Here are 7 tips to help us manage the fun and avoid the stress of a weakened body during precious family times and exciting visits with friends.
- Insist upon 8 hours of sleep. This average amount of sleep for an adult is vital to keeping the body physically healthy and mentally alert. While asleep, the body repairs itself which means we stay healthier. Appetites are more easily managed and our memories are heightened.
- Learn to say no. The invitations trickle in until we realize we’re too heavily scheduled. Attending parties becomes a chore. Carefully select the events you want to attend. Consider your family’s needs. What parties include spouses or children?
- Make nutritious food choices. Today’s host understands the demands of dietary needs. In addition to traditional appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts, gluten-free, sugar free, and low-fat options are available.
- Drink lots of water. This allows our bodies to flush out wastes, stay hydrated, perform better, fight disease, and maintain a balanced body.
- Exercise. Those of you who know me have heard my stand on daily exercise. Not only does it fight diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, it also helps maintain weight, improves mood, and gives us energy.
- Establish a budget at the start of the season and stick to it. Nothing destroys relationships faster than a refusal to adhere to a budget. The funds allotted for the season include all expenses. How sad for individuals to go in debt for holiday expenses.
- Start the day with prayer. Let God guide you through every minute of the day.
What tips do you have for staying healthy during the holidays?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Invite the children for a trim-the-tree event. Have crafts ready for them to assemble and hang on the tree. Don’t forget refreshments!
