More than 60% of Americans say the holidays cause them more stress than tax season! For many, the juggling work, family, and other responsibilities with the added pressure of holidays makes it difficult to maintain health habits. According to a new survey, 8 out of 10 Americans prioritize making the holidays special for other people at the expense of their own needs. Yet, sticking to your normal routine as much as possible is crucial to your wellbeing during this time. As difficult as it can be, maintaining a healthy diet, getting quality sleep, and exercising regularly boosts your ability to cope with added stress. It’s okay to indulge in the festivities, but moderation is key “The holidays are an easy time to justify putting off healthy habits, but it’s important to manage chronic stress and other risk factors to stay healthy during the holiday season and into the New Year,” said Dr. Glenn Levine from the American Heart Association.
The American Heart Association offered tips to keep healthy habits from unravelling.
- Enjoy your food, but watch the portion sizes. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Take a short walk every day. Staying active is one of the best ways to cope with stress and maintain physical and mental health. Consider going on walks with family or friends to make it a social activity.
- Getting enough high quality sleep helps with your mood, eating habits, memory, and overall wellbeing. Setting an alarm can prompt you to take a break from your devices and begin to wind down for the night.
We hope that you enjoy the holiday season and find ways to care for yourself in addition to others. We wish you happy and healthy holidays!