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Health & Fitness

Stay Healthy This Holiday: Wellness Tips to Get You Through The Holidays Without Getting Sick

By Douglas Ashinksy, MD, of Warren Internal Medicine, an affiliate of Somerset Medical Center

The holiday season generally consists of hours of shopping, and enjoying large meals and desserts while celebrating with family and friends. While all of this sounds great, the holiday season can take a toll on your health – all of these things could easily make you feel stressed, gain weight and even leave you with feeling sick. 

With many holiday parties, errands to run and not enough time during the day, you may feel like you have no control of your own schedule. You can easily lose track of time and forget to eat, or maybe even skip breakfast to get to the sale on time. Studies show, on average, adults gain about one to two pounds each year, including slightly less than one pound during the holidays. To try to avoid any extra weight, plan your meals ahead of time. Ask a friend to keep you on schedule and exercise together during the holidays.

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During the holiday season, many adults also experience trigger headaches and anxiety due to stress. Other factors, like seasonal depression, can also affect your mood. Remember to allow yourself time to relax during each day. Take time to treat and pamper yourself. Most importantly, get rest. If you can’t stick to your normal sleep schedule, try to rest and squeeze in a nap during the day.

Whether you want to maintain your physical health, mental health or both, here are some other tips to ensure sure you can enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.

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  • Wash your hands to avoid getting sick and spreading germs.

  • Stay warm; wear several layers of clothes, especially when the temperature drops below freezing.

  • Drink and eat in moderation. It’s okay to turn down that second piece of pie.

  • But don’t completely restrict yourself when it comes to food. Completely limiting what you eat could result in binge eating later on.

  • Get help when you need it. If you begin to feel sick, visit your doctor and talk about your symptoms.

  • The holidays are a time to reflect, relax and be thankful for all that has happened throughout the year. Enjoy yourself in every way you can this month and take care of your overall health and wellbeing.

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