Christmas may have come and gone, but the holiday season isn’t over just yet. The holidays are full of celebrations and spending time with friends and family, but the season can quickly become one of excess. Here are our tips for a healthy holiday season.
Eat healthy
We know there are bound to be some Christmas cookies, but focus on making healthy choices instead of overindulging. Start your day with a healthy breakfast like yogurt and fruit or oatmeal, which will help balance blood sugar and control your appetite later in the day. If you fill up on healthy foods, you will be less inclined to go for the leftover Christmas cake!Stay hydrated
Your body needs water to survive - every organ, tissue, and cell in your body depends on water to work correctly. Make a goal of drinking 1/2 oz. per pound that you weigh (if you weigh 160 lbs, drink 80 oz. of water per day). Staying hydrated will help your body remain healthy into the New Year.Keep moving!
There is something wonderful about a winter walk, but so many of us avoid the outdoors in the cooler weather. Bundle up and check out your neighborhood Christmas lights or add in some at-home exercises to your routine. Remaining active during the holiday season will help prevent weight gain and added stress to your joints.]Avoid chemical stressors
Anything that goes into your body either nourishes it or it doesn’t - so avoid the stuff that doesn’t! We aren’t saying to completely avoid treats during the holidays, but do so in moderation. Limit your intake of salt, sugar, and alcohol - all of which are chemical stressors - and it will help you avoid negative effects like mood swings, hangovers, and weight gain. One way to do this at the New Year’s Eve party you’re attending is to alternate every alcoholic drink with a sparkling water or soft drink like juice.Rest and relaxation
Now that is just what the (chiropractic) doctor ordered! A little R&R boosts your immune system, protects your heart, lowers risk of stroke, improves memory function, and so much more. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, and proper rest and relaxation can help.Care for your spine
A healthy spine is essential to feeling your best. Because the nervous system controls every organ and cell in the body, we tend to focus on the health of the spine to ensure it is properly aligned. Your body has an amazing ability to heal itself, and it is our job to create an environment to make sure that happens.
At Healthy Life Chiropractic, we want to help you reach the best health possible, especially going in to the New Year. Contact us to schedule your next adjustment, and we wish you a healthy holiday season!