12 December 2024
10 Top Tips to Stay Healthy over the Christmas and New Year Holidays
It’s December and the countdown to Christmas and the New Year has begun! With all the parties, family gatherings, oh and let’s not forget the abundance of food and drink, there’s plenty to look forward to. Whether you’re a fan of the holiday season or not, let’s make sure you stay in great shape throughout it all.
Here are 10 tips to help you stay healthy and fit so that you can enjoy Christmas and the New Year:
Holiday activities like decorating, cooking, and wrapping gifts often involve bending, twisting or reaching. Make sure that you are maintaining a good posture by engaging your core and avoid slouching.
When lifting heavy objects (like Christmas trees, decorations, or gifts), remember to bend at the knees, keep the load close to your body, and avoid twisting while lifting.
For some of us, this can be a time of less activity. Try to balance those larger meals and being more sedentary with regular physical activity. A brisk walk after Christmas dinner can help improve circulation and digestion.
Putting up the decorations and preparing larger meals for the family can be physically demanding. Make sure you take breaks and pace yourself to avoid strain or fatigue.
Take the time to add some simple stretches into your day to relieve tension in your neck, shoulders, and back, especially if you’ve been sitting for long periods during family gatherings or travel.
If you feel muscle tension or stiffness, use a hot water bottle or heating pad to relax muscles and improve circulation.
Cold temperatures can make muscles tighter and more prone to injury. If you’re heading outdoors, make sure you are wrapped up warm and if engaging in physical activity take a few minutes to do a warm up first.
Avoid overeating by eating slowly until you are full, this will help reduce bloating and discomfort.
Alcohol and rich foods are common during Christmas and the New Year, but they can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day as dehydration can increase your chances of injury and exacerbate chronic muscle and joint pain.
With all the excitement and social activities, it’s easy to neglect sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to allow your body to rest, repair and recover itself.
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