Jingling Your Way to Better Health

It is the time for festivities, spending time with loved ones, and having a time to enjoy! But it is also a time to put your health on the back burner of our minds instead of at the forefront. Just like being serious about having a good time, we need to be serious about our health too. Whether you have a chronic condition or a common head cold. Our health can change overnight and it is time for us to take care of ourselves. Jingling on your way to better health encourages you to have fun, holiday-themed activities into a healthier lifestyle, particularly during the winter season. How do we do that?

Exercise

Jingling your way to better health can refer to multiple things. For instance, it can refer to making exercise a joyful activity, like dancing or walking, and integrating it into your daily routine. It can also be a call to maintain healthy habits like mindful eating and dental care during festivities. There are a couple ways to do this:

• Turn errands into workouts – Park farther away during holiday shopping to get extra steps in, and use the opportunity to walk briskly to your destination.
• Find social activities – Go dancing at parties or turn family gatherings into active fun like a snowball fight.
• Incorporate movement into daily chores – Do simple exercises like leg swings, squats, or jumping jacks while cooking or watching TV.
• Take the stairs – Opt for the stairs instead of elevators in multi-floor buildings or during shopping trips.
• Start with walking – If you do not want an intense routine, begin by aiming for at least one 30-minute walk per day.

Optimal health. That is it. Simple, and it is only two words – optimal health. We all strive for it; however, it can sometimes be a hard goal to obtain. Optimal health is when your body and mind are performing at their best-supported by evidence-based nutrition, regular exercise, balanced lifestyle habits, and proactive health optimization. It is all about achieving complete physical and mental well-being rather than simply avoiding disease.

Healthy Eating and Other Habits

One thing we try not to do around the holidays is diet. Who wants to diet and avoid sugar when there is a nice, little sugar cookie that is calling your name? There are ways that you can go about this. You can, 1, make it fun or, 2, make it harder than it has to be. How do we make dieting around the holidays fun? Let us look into some suggestions:

• Practice mindful eating – Enjoy holiday treats in moderation and pay attention to what and how much you are consuming.
• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water and limit sugary beverages.
• Focus on dental hygiene – Keep up with regular brushing and flossing during the holidays to prevent cavities.
• Schedule regular checkups – See your doctor for routine exams, screenings, and vaccinations.

To maintain healthy habits during the holidays, prioritize exercise by scheduling short workouts, incorporating activities into daily tasks, and engaging in fun activities with family and friends. Some other things to think about are your immunity. Get boosted and immunized with the suggested vaccinations. Prioritize getting your vaccines or booster shot well before the holidays to ensure optimal immune response. This will also help to protect you for at least two months by reducing your risk of getting the flu, COVID, and RSV.

Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Yes, the holidays can be a time of celebration, but it can also be a time of hardship. Some of us will actually go through a shift in our mental health. And most of the time it is not a good shift. We must surround ourselves with a good social support system and utilize it when we really need it. With that in mind, there are some other things we can do to better our mental and physical well-being:

• Get quality sleep – Prioritize 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body to recharge.
• Manage stress – Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature.
• Stay socially connected – Make time for friends, family, and community to support your emotional health.
• Limit screen time – Reduce the amount of time spent on electronic devices to avoid mental fatigue.
• Boost your brainpower – Regular movement to improve focus and memory.
• Laugh more – A health initiative encourages incorporating three belly laughs into your day.

Simple ways that you can better your mental health, but also to remain social. Holidays can have a negative impact on us, but with these simple steps, we can try to avoid negativity. You can also focus on self-care by setting realistic expectations, maintaining healthy habits, and setting boundaries. Acknowledging your feelings and seeking professional help when needed are also crucial steps in taking care of yourself.

Conclusion

The holidays can be one of 2 things: negative or positive. Which do you choose? I do not know about you, but I want to be able to enjoy the holidays. There are simple ways to do this. You can do this by exercising regularly, eating healthy, and focusing on self-care. By following these three things, you are already going in the positive direction. You just have to be motivated and be aware of how you are feeling. Utilize your social support system by reaching out to friends and family who are supportive and understanding. We all go through tough times, but how you react is what sets you apart.