Health Tips for the Holidays
The holidays are here again! With all the indulgence, travel, and socializing that comes with this festive season, it’s important to take care of yourself to avoid getting sick or feeling stressed.
Dr. Kristi Trimm, Medical Director at TrustCare, recently shared expert advice about this topic on WLBT3 TV – watch her interview here. This blog also provides simple tips to help you stay healthy and balanced during this hectic time of year.
Start With a Holiday Health Check-Up
There are many reasons to check your health numbers as the holiday season begins. Everything from your weight and blood pressure to your cholesterol and blood sugar levels can impact how you feel, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. By knowing where all these numbers stand, you can make decisions throughout the holidays to stay as healthy as possible.
“There’s no better time to get a wellness check, just so you know what you’re dealing with,” Dr. Trimm said.
Hormonal imbalances may also affect your metabolism, mood, and ability to sleep during this busy time. “When your hormones are checked and optimized, it can help you be more focused and well-rested, so you can get ready for your holidays and enjoy time with your family,” Dr. Trimm added.
Find a TrustCare location and schedule your wellness check now.
When Eating, Remember the Three-Day Rule
Most people think of the holidays as the jam-packed weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day that are filled with parties and family gatherings. But in reality, “the holidays are really just three days,” Dr. Trimm noted. “We can cheat on those three days and be fine, but there are also things we can do to set ourselves up for success and not derail our health plans.”
Here are some effective ways to keep your holiday diet on track:
Never skip meals in preparation for a holiday feast – Skipping meals often backfires, leading you to feel ravenous and overeat. Instead, have a protein bar or a filling snack (such as fruit or nuts) 30 minutes before you arrive so you aren’t hungry from the start.
Choose your splurges carefully –Choose a select few holiday favorites to splurge on rather than filling up on foods you can eat throughout the year. Take the time to savor and enjoy these holiday treats, then move on to the healthier side of the table.
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Bring your own healthy dish – Make sure at least one healthy option is available by bringing your own dish to share, such as a fruit and vegetable plate or low-calorie dessert.
Stay well-hydrated – Drinking plenty of water before and during holiday events can help you feel more satiated. Proper hydration also boosts your metabolism and aids with digestion.
Focus on the people, not the food – Spending time with others away from the table helps prevent mindless eating. Eat slowly until you are satisfied, not stuffed – then turn your attention back to socializing.
Stay As Active As You Can
It’s easy for exercise to fall by the wayside when you have a packed holiday calendar. But even a few minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day can have amazing health benefits, including reduced stress and better sleep.
Thankfully, there are many ways to incorporate exercise into even the busiest holiday routine, such as:
When shopping for gifts, walk a few extra laps before you enter the stores
Instead of searching for a close parking spot, park farther away
Take the stairs at every opportunity
Walk around your neighborhood instead of driving to see holiday lights
Enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating or winter hiking
Participate in a charity walk or run to support your community
And here’s another perk – many of these activities shift the holiday focus away from food, encouraging family and friends to spend time together in ways that don’t involve eating.
Take Time for Yourself
Managing stress is another big part of staying healthy during the holiday season. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so it needs to remain a priority.
“Unfortunately, we tend to put ourselves on the back burner during the holidays,” Dr. Trimm said. “It’s important to give yourself mental health breaks, like taking a 15-minute walk with your dog or spending 15 minutes in a quiet room.”
In addition to practicing self-care, follow these tips to help manage your holiday stress:
Set boundaries – It may be tempting to say “yes” to everything, but sometimes saying “no” is better for your health.
Get enough sleep – Even in the midst of holiday events, try your best to stay on your usual sleep schedule. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day (including weekends) and avoid late-night caffeine.
Acknowledge your feelings – It’s common to feel a range of emotions during the holidays, from joy to sadness. Share how you feel with your family and friends, or try journaling if you prefer to keep your thoughts private.
Still feeling tired and anxious? It might not just be the holidays causing your symptoms.
“I definitely want to urge people that if they feel stressed every day, have difficulty with concentration, or aren’t sleeping well, then they need to go see a doctor,” Dr. Trimm said. “We can help with lifestyle modifications all the way up to pharmacologic management.”
Healthy Holiday Travel
Will you be away from home this holiday season? Traveling often makes it even harder to stay healthy. Here are some things you can do to prepare:
Make sure you are up to date with all your vaccines and immunizations, including an annual flu shot
Prepare a travel health kit with any items you may need, including over-the-counter medications and prescriptions
Crowded spaces like planes, trains, airports, and rest stops are often filled with germs. Carry hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently to avoid getting sick.
TrustCare Is Here For You
All TrustCare urgent care clinics are open seven days a week with no appointment needed, including weekends and holidays. TrustCare also offers primary care, pediatric primary care (TrustCare Kids), and more.
Ready to feel your best this holiday season? Book an appointment with Dr. Trimm today and start your journey to a healthier you!