Tips for a healthy holiday season

With the holiday season approaching it can be difficult to maintain the healthy lifestyle you have worked on the rest of the year. Parties, commitments and just the stress of the holidays can throw our good intentions out the window. However, because of the added stress of the holiday, it becomes even more important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you make maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the holidays your priority, you are more likely to stay healthy, have reduced stress and you will certainly enjoy the time with your family and friends, a whole lot more. Here are some tips for a healthy holiday season-

• Keep exercising-Don't let the pressures and demands of the holidays, take you off your exercise schedule. If you regularly go the gym stay with it, however if you need a change, then use the holidays to shake up your routine. Go for a brisk walk every evening to view the holiday lights and take in the season. Just be sure to dress for the weather if you choose to exercise outdoors, during the holidays.
• Keep taking any necessary medication-Many times the schedule of the holidays can make your day a little or a lot different. If you are taking prescription medications this is not the time to be skipping dosages. Whatever you are doing to maintain your health, keep doing it. Give yourself a written reminder, or have your computer nudge you, to keep up with everything you need to do for your health.
• Keep eating healthy-The holidays are rife with temptation to throw the diet to the wind. Don't give in completely to temptation and find that by January you have gained those dreaded "holiday 10". Before you head off to a party, if you are afraid you lack willpower, then have a healthy snack at home. Remember that when you are at a holiday gathering a small portion of your favorite food, will be just as satisfying (or even more so), then overeating and regretting it later.
• Keep sleeping well-You may be tempted to give up getting a good night's sleep during the holiday season. With extra parties and events to attend it can be difficult to get enough sleep. However, studies have shown that a person's immune system is directly affected by how much they sleep. Even just an hour less then the recommended 8 hours of sleep, can leave you vulnerable to the host of germs flying around, during the winter months. While no one is saying that you have to miss all the fun, try to get to bed and get some shuteye for a healthy holiday season.
• Keep getting a flu vaccine-While the debate rages on over flu vaccines, studies have shown that they are a deterrent toward getting the flu. Keep in mind that the flu is a serious and potentially life threatening disease. Today's recommendation is that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine. The reason that getting a flu shot makes the list, is that the height of flu season coincides with the holiday season. For a healthy holiday season take the time to get a flu shot. You'll be glad you did!
• Keep on top of any allergies-The holiday season means a lot of new potential allergens being introduced into your life. A pine tree, poinsettias, new food and a host of other once a year items, could trigger allergies. It is important to be aware if you are having any reaction to anything new in your home or place of employment. If you are having an allergic reaction it is recommended that you seek medical treatment immediately.