Holiday season is here. We know, we can’t believe it either. Where does all the time go? The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, but also a season of stress.
Here at Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, considers your health our top priority, no matter what time of year it is.
In this month’s blog post, we want to share some tips on how you can enjoy your holidays and stay healthy too.
Between the shopping, cooking, and gatherings, time is tight during the holidays. Like many, you may skip your usual exercise routine to make time for all of the holiday activities.
Staying active is one of the best tools you have for managing holiday stress. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity five days a week. You don’t even have to do it all at once. Three 10-minute walks works just as well as one 30-minute walk.
Food is the focus of many holiday gatherings. We know you want to “save room” for all the yummy dishes. But skipping meals isn’t a good idea because it often leads to overeating.
Instead, continue to eat your regular, healthy, balanced meals. On party days, fill up on low-calorie, filling foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean sources of protein.
The weather is a bit cooler during the winter here in Florida, and you may not feel the need to drink water like you do in the summer. But like your regular exercise and balanced diet, your good habits are what’s going to keep you healthy and happy during the holidays.
Water is refreshing, hydrating, and calorie-free. Make it your all-day go-to drink so you can keep hydrated. Dehydration makes you hungry and tired.
The holidays most certainly disrupt your usual schedule. You’re staying out later than usual and getting up early. When you don’t get an adequate amount of sleep, your body can’t recover from the previous day or get you ready for the next. This zaps your energy, ups your stress level, and makes you more susceptible to getting sick.
Adults need at least seven hours of sleep a night. To get enough rest, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day as often as you can.
When was your last physical exam? If it’s been more than a year, it’s time to schedule your health visit. Your annual physical exam focuses on helping you stay as healthy as possible.
We are a primary care practice, so we perform comprehensive annual physical exams and provide guidance on how to stay healthy during the holidays and beyond.
If you’re having a hard time figuring out how to manage your health during the holidays, whether it’s eating with diabetes or managing stress with high blood pressure, we have you covered. Call our office in Weston, Florida, or click here to book an appointment online.
