Start the Holidays Healthy!

As the holiday season approaches, it’s tough to resist all those yummy treats at the dinner table. Here are nine easy ways to help you prioritize joy, family and health during the holiday season.

Exercise regularly: if you’re not exercising, start doing some physical activity. For those who are already active, try making your workouts a bit harder or longer. Take the stairs, go for a longer walk with your dog, or add some more time to your cardio sessions. Terri Dietz discussed ways to incorporate more movement into your day on the Move More for Better Health podcast.

Prioritize breakfast: eating breakfast is important. Try to eat within two hours of waking up to keep your energy levels steady. Make a habit of having a healthy breakfast every day.

Trade habits: swap out one unhealthy habit for a healthier one. Drink water instead of sugary drinks, have a salad day, or take a walk instead of spending too much time in front of a screen. Small changes can make a big difference.

Embrace whole grains: include whole grains like wheat, oats, rice, barley, or quinoa in your diet. These grains are rich in antioxidants and disease-fighting phytochemicals. Choose whole-grain options like toast, cereal, or noodles for a positive impact.

Manage stress: know that stress can go up during the holidays. Do activities like yoga, practice mindfulness, or spending time outdoors to help. Stress can make you gain weight, so take time to relax every day.

Prioritize sleep: sleep is super important for your body and mind. Not getting enough sleep can cause health problems. Even during the busy holidays, make sure you get enough sleep for your well-being. Dr. Cacho discussed more sleeping tips on The Science of Sleeping Well podcast.

Practice gratitude: be thankful for things and people in your life. Take a moment every day to think about what you’re grateful for. This can make you feel more positive overall.

Stand and move: move around every day, especially if you sit a lot. If you can, use a standing or walking desk. If not, stand up, walk around, or stretch every hour. Simple things like standing during calls or walking while thinking can help.

Floss regularly: flossing is good for your teeth and overall health. Doing it every day, or even twice a day, can keep your mouth healthy and lower the risk of heart disease. Kahala Howser of Hawaii Dental Service discussed more oral health tips on this Dental Wellness podcast.

Approaching the holidays with a focus on staying healthy can make them more joyful. These simple habits can make your festive season happier and healthier, just like a stroll on the beach.