Staying Healthy During Holidays

Staying healthy during holidays is a difficult but not impossible task. From the Harvest Festival’s candy corn, Thanksgiving’s pumpkin pie, Christmas’ frosted cookies, and on to New Year’s goodies, we are planning and racing from one spectacular event to the other. While we love the time spent with family and friends, workloads and family responsibilities don’t change, we just slide the holiday activities into place and move on to the next one. The celebrations often mean a little less sleep and a lot more carbs. Exercise often drifts to the backseat of our routine.

If we’re not careful, the resulting abuse to our bodies can take a toll on every part of our lives.

What does the hustle and bustle mixed with overeating mean for us? It might mean that our normal attitude is replaced with a cranky mode. We might face pounding headaches, digestive issues, heartburn, weight gain, weight loss, or illness—all preventing us from enjoying our favorite time of the year.

So how can we celebrate and stay healthy? Here are10 tips to help us manage the fun and avoid the stress of a weakened body during precious family times and exciting visits with friends.

1.        Start and end the day with prayer.

Let God guide you through every minute of the day. This quote reminds me of the importance of our relationship with God.

“We are silent at the beginning of the day because God should have the first word, and we are silent before going to sleep because the last word also belongs to God.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

 

2.        Insist upon 8 hours of sleep.

Getting enough sleep is vital to keep the body physically healthy and mentally alert. The average amount of sleep for an adult is 8 hours, but some of us need more or require less. While asleep, the body repairs itself and helps keep us happier and healthier. Appetites are more easily managed, and our brains will function better according to God’s design.

 

3.        Cooking and baking can be healthy and delicious.

Our families and friends enjoy the traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation. They are yummy and small servings should satisfy, but when the richness and sugar hit our bodies, we crave more.

Consider a few substitutions that don’t sacrifice taste:

·       Plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in our favorite recipes.

·       Almond or coconut flour can replace traditional flour. Be sure to do your research first.

·       Plant-based sugar substitutes to replace part or all the recommended sugar.

·       Healthier grains such as barley, quinoa, oats, and others that are rich in fiber and protein.

·       Dairy products with less fat.

·       Fresh fruit and vegetables are always a good choice.

Read product labels for added sugar or preservatives that we don’t want to digest into our bodies.

Whenever possible, prepare foods from scratch. This includes bread, salad dressings, nut butters, cookies, cakes, pies, and other food products.

Susan Neal’s Healthy Living Website has several informative blog posts on nutrition. Her recipes section contains powerful meal options.

 

4.        Make nutritious food choices even when you are away from home.

Today’s hosts understand the demands of dietary needs. In addition to traditional appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts, there are keto, gluten-free, sugar-free, and low-fat options. Whether you are dining at a restaurant or attending a gala event, be mindful of food choices      Focus on the people around you and the sweet conversation instead of all the food and drink.

 

5.        Drink lots of water.

This allows our bodies to flush out wastes, stay hydrated, perform better, fight disease, and maintain a balanced body. Start your day with a glass of water and continue hydrating until bedtime.

Harvard Health offers helpful information on the value of drinking water.

 

6.        Exercise.

Those of you who know me have heard my stand on daily exercise. Not only does moving your body fight diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, but it also helps maintain weight, improves mood, and gives us added energy.

Susan Neal offers several tips and insight into the value of exercising.

 

7.        Learn to graciously decline.

The invitations trickle in until we realize we’re too heavily scheduled, not only for us but for the members of our family. Attending parties becomes a chore. Carefully select the events you want to attend. Consider your family’s needs. What parties include spouses or children? What events are true memory-makers for you and your loved ones?

 

8.        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 into debt for holiday gifts and meals.

If you find your inclination to spend has damaged your budget, Dave Ramsey has excellent advice.

 

9.        Family time

We were created for relationships and family. Establish family times to enjoy each other. These are the treasured moments not only for us, but for our children, grandchildren, and spouses who will talk about them for years to come.

No matter where you live, the great outdoors is good for the heart and soul. In warmer climates, the beach provides water sports and family fun. Perhaps horseback riding, ziplining, or fishing appeals to your family. In colder climates, skiing, ice skating, sled riding, and building snowmen create togetherness and bonds families.

Indoor activities like movie night, games, cooking contests, art, hobbies, museums, and other creative ventures done with family are priceless.

 

10.     Don’t neglect worship.

Don’t give in to sleeping in on Sunday mornings or skipping a worship service because we’ve played so hard that we’re exhausted. Our God has blessed us with family, a home, and a beautiful earth to enjoy His world. Set aside time for community worship. Fill your home with praise songs that honor and glorify God.

Here’s a hint for those of you who find themselves stressed and overwhelmed. Establish a playlist of hymns and praise songs to soothe your soul when busy times threaten to steal your joy. You may find yourself listening to your playlist year around.

I hope these simple tips will prove useful to you and your family. What tips do you have to stay healthy during the holidays?

About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn’s next release is Concrete Evidence https://diannmills.com/books/concrete-evidence/

Connect with DiAnn on her various social media platforms here: www.diannmills.com