7 Tips to Stay Focused on Health This Holiday Season

The Holidays can be such a blessing…and so exhausting.
 
We have so much to be grateful for. If you’re like me, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the blessings of family and friends and forget to take care of yourself. Soon your body lets you know you’ve done too much. 
 
That’s why it’s so important that you stay focused on your health through the holiday season.  Make this year different. Be prepared for the stress and avoid illness and injury by focusing on these 7 health tips:
 

1. Manage holiday stress by scheduling time to maintain your exercise routine. You’re probably thinking that sounds easier said than done. You’re right! That’s why it’s so important to take time for fitness.  Even a few minutes can be beneficial. Put yourself first. Be vigilant about maintaining your fitness so that you can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.
2. Stretch before, during and after travel to stay happy and healthy. You friends and family will thank you! Travel is tough on your body. Most of us have suffered through the holidays with a kink in the neck from sleeping on a hide-a-bed or the aches and pains from traveling 10-hours in a cramped car or cabin. Stretching is a proven way to minimize your aches and pains.
3. Don’t shop til you drop. Avoid over-doing it when you are shopping. Take advantage of store staff – they’ll be happy to carry those heavy bags and boxes to your car.
4. Avoid a rumbling tummy by balancing all those holiday goodies with healthy portions of fruits and vegetables. Holiday meals often contain more starches & sugars, and less fiber than we are used to. This can affect our digestion in many ways. Keep balance in your diet to feel your best.
5. Be smart when decorating. Avoid the acrobatics while hanging holiday lights or decorating your tree.  Follow the safety directions on your ladder! Most of all – don’t do everything yourself. Don’t be a Christmas casualty. Ask for help. If you can pry them away from the video games, most of us can find young and fit helpers available to carry all those decorations out of the attic.
6. Our bodies need a good detox after all those holiday goodies. All that sugar, processed foods, extra fat and alcohol can take a toll on our digestive system. A thorough cleanse can help purify our system and get us balanced again. Ask us how. We’d love to help you feel your best.
7.  Seek a professional evaluation before starting a new fitness routine. The average person gains 3-10 pounds throughout the holiday season and millions of us list working out as our number one New Year’s resolution. Be one of the few that turns a resolution into a life-long habit. Most people stop working out due to pain or injury.  I strongly encourage you to get evaluated before working out so you avoid injury and have the best opportunity to succeed.

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