The holidays bring their own kind of stress: different schedules, high expectations, too much to do and heavy demands on every person of every age. No one is exempt from the pressures of this time of year.
Staying healthy can be a good way to relieve some of that stress. The added benefit is, when January comes, you can be rested, healthy and ready for the new year.
Exercise often
It may seem counterintuitive to take the time to exercise, but the benefit of exercise outweighs the expense of seeming lost time. Exercise raises energy levels and productivity actually increases. Wrap more presents in less time, decorate the tree with greater ease and visit Aunt Sue with a smile on your face. Plus, exercise releases endorphins — the happy human hormone — so you can bring your genuine joy to the holiday season.
The added benefit of exercise is an increased production of macrophages— those kinds of human cells that attack bacteria that can trigger infections. Upper respiratory infections are common during the holiday season so we need all the protection we can get. Boost your immunity naturally with regular exercise.
Come clean
It’s also cold and flu season. All our comings and goings increase exposure to germs and viruses.
Grabbing door handles and shaking hands bring a risk of contamination every day. Come clean by washing your hands often. Carry hand sanitizer. The holidays are about sharing, so share the hand sanitizer and not the germs.
Hand-held fruits, such as apples and pears, are healthy seasonal treats. Make them even more healthy by washing them thoroughly right before eating. The fruit bowl might have been washed before it was put out, but airborne viruses and germs could have settled on them when on display. Don’t take a chance — wash them again.
Drink up
Celebrate the season in style with holiday drinks, but only on special occasions.
Daily hydration is especially important at this time of year. Optimum hydration keeps the mucous linings of the respiratory passages moist and ready to do their jobs, dealing with airborne germs, pollutants and allergens. Water is your best friend for detoxing, as well as maintaining energy levels and everyday hydration. Divide your body weight in half and drink that many ounces of water every day.
Drinking alcohol on special occasions seems natural this time of year, but it can represent a challenge for health and wellness.
A recent Brown University study showed that excessive alcohol consumption is toxic to dendritic cells, which play a critical role in seeking and destroying microbes. Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to increased infections, raising the vulnerability to colds and the flu.
Before the fun
The holiday feast can be even more fun when the body is better prepared.
Eat light, easy-to-digest foods 24 hours before the big meal. Soups and light salads work well. Avoid heavy foods such as cheeses and wheat. A good night’s sleep helps, too. This bit of austerity before the celebration gently increases the body’s strength and resilience.
After the celebration
A short rest after the meal honors the natural digestive process, enabling the body to better handle the foods — even if an overindulgence occurred. A short walk prompts the body’s function back into balance and boosts metabolism naturally. Invite your family and friends to join you to get some fresh air. Enjoy this quality time away from electronics, with genuine conversation to connect with loved ones.
The day after the holiday feast, eat simply and get back into your normal routine. Work with the body for a healthy balance, preparing for the next celebration. Most of all, enjoy the holidays.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.