Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still a lot to look forward to this holiday season. We may be going to more virtual holiday parties than ever before, but many individuals and families are finding new ways to spend time together and get in the spirit of the season.
It’s easy to let your healthy habits move to a back burner during the holidays, especially in a year as unprecedented as 2020. However, taking measures to remain healthy will not only help you feel better throughout the festivities — it can help you get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions and goals!
Stay Hydrated
As the temperature drops, it’s easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. Drinking enough water not only helps your body flush out toxins, but it can also help you get better sleep, keep your skin healthy and moisturized, and aid in digestion. Keeping hydrated benefits nearly every system in your body including the circulatory, nervous, urinary, musculoskeletal, digestive, and more.
Maintain A Workout Schedule
Even with the reduced amount of travel and in-person parties, maintaining your regular workout routine can be challenging during the holidays. A key to keeping up with your physical fitness during this time of year is to split up your workouts into intervals that fit into your schedule. You may not have time to hit the gym, but the important thing to remember is to keep moving.
Going for a walk, completing a 15-minute online workout, or making time for a quick yoga session will not only help you remain physically active, but it can also help reduce holiday-related stress, keep seasonal affective disorder symptoms at bay, and give you some time to re-energize yourself and stay connected to your body.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
With or without a global pandemic, frequent hand washing is essential for maintaining your health through the holidays, flu season, and colder months. Keeping your hands clean not only benefits your health, it can help slow the spread of germs.
Make sure to wash your hands before eating, after coming home from the store, after using the bathroom, or anytime your hands get dirty. Right after you wash your hands is the perfect time to apply lotion or moisturizer to make sure your skin stays hydrated!
Visit Your Chiropractor
It may be the “most wonderful time of the year,” but the holidays are also stressful for many of us. Extra expenses, gifts to wrap, meals to make, work deadlines…it can be overwhelming. If you are experiencing extra aches and pains and stress due to the holidays, scheduling a visit with your chiropractor can help realign your body and nervous system, aid in digestion, and boost your immune system.
Here at Active Chiropractic, Dr. Anthony Cutting is certified to perform the Zone Technique, which focuses on the six zones of the body — glandular, eliminative, nervous, digestive, muscular, and circulatory — and performing adjustments based on which zone is out of balance. Dr. Cutting is the only doctor in Oregon certified to perform this technique!
Enjoy Your Holiday Favorites — In Moderation
Staying healthy through the holidays doesn’t mean giving up your favorite cookies or spiked eggnog — it just means practicing moderation. Many of the treats and dishes we enjoy during the holidays are richer than our typical diets and can cause inflammation and discomfort. Instead of piling your plate high with sweet treats and rich dishes, cook healthier alternatives or take smaller portions of your favorites while adding in more fruits and vegetables.
Schedule Some “Me” Time
The holidays can be overwhelming, even without the usual travel, guests, and social gatherings. Getting enough sleep and taking time to relax will help keep your stress levels down and your immune system strong.
Once you’ve finished decorating the tree, wrapping presents, or prepping your holiday treats, take some time to go for a walk, snuggle in with a mug of tea and book, or turn on your favorite holiday movie. Setting aside time to wind down will help you destress and enjoy the time with your loved ones.
We Want To Help You Live Well & Live Active
Active Chiropractic is proud to work with patients from Eugene, OR, and surrounding communities. We offer a complete range of wellness services to help you feel and function your best.
To learn more about all we offer, we encourage you to reach out to us today at (541) 543-5032.