Staying Healthy During the Holidays

There is much to love about the holiday season: spending time with loved ones, preparing and eating delicious meals, and shopping for gifts for the special people in your life. With the pandemic happening, coupled with seasonal allergies, other ailments, and even stress, staying healthy during these times is important.

Ways to Stay Healthy

  1. Regulate Your Stress: Stress is a factor in our daily lives but the holidays, while exciting and enjoyable, can also be very stressful. It is important to make it a point to recognize the situation and take a “breather” when you find yourself stressed. Stress can have serious side effects on your body, both mentally and physically.
  2. Schedule Downtime: A packed holiday season can put you into overdrive, so it’s important to arrange some time for yourself. Whether it be scheduling a massage, getting out in nature, or reading a book, doing something that relaxes your mind and body will help ease your stress.
  3. Maintain Exercise: Exercise is an important part of a healthy routine but during stressful times, exercise can combat illness and anxiety.
  4. Eat Healthy: Holiday foods are delicious, but not always nutritious. Everyone deserves to enjoy holiday meals, but it is important to keep an eye on your health and what you’re consuming, especially if you have dietary restrictions or health conditions.
  5. Wash Your Hands Frequently: Hand washing during the holiday season is very important, as it helps prevent sickness and the spreading of germs. With different, numerous dishes being cooked for holiday functions, it is also important to wash your hands frequently to avoid cross-contamination.
  6. Get Enough Rest: Not getting enough sleep can have harmful effects on your health, potentially increasing your risk of health conditions. It is imperative that you get enough rest because during sleep, your body produces cytokines, a protein that is crucial in controlling the growth and activity of other immune systems cells.

The holidays are a wonderful time to create new memories and reflect on old ones. Prioritizing your health and well-being is a crucial part of the season. Practice the self-care strategies that work best for you and always remember you can take a time out if you find yourself in need of some relaxation.

At American Foot & Leg Specialists, your health is of utmost importance to us. We take care of a wide range of conditions, providing patients with a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures and treatments. Call us today to schedule your appointment or request one online!