It can be so easy to get off track during the holidays. People have social obligations, family get-togethers, holiday preparations to do, traveling, and maybe even a school holiday play here and there. Don’t let all these extra events get in the way of taking care of your physical health and home safety.
It can also be easy to meander from your day to day health regimen during this time of year. If you don’t have time to get in a full work out all at the same time during the day, consider splitting your routine into two fifteen minute sessions. Perhaps, even go for two walks during the day to get some vitamin D too! If you find it hard to get to the gym or too cold to go outside, there are plenty of indoor fitness routines you can do in the comfort of your own home!
All that working out and staying busy can get a person pretty hungry. The key here is to resist temptation, or substitute healthier alternatives to the calorie dense delights that seem to be looming behind every corner during the holidays. It can be easy to over-eat too. After your first helping of a meal, try to wait about ten minutes so your brain can catch up with your stomach. It takes a little while for the body to realize when it’s actually full. Also, while you’re enjoying your meals, try to opt out of that glass of egg nog and go for a glass of water. In fact, try to drink water all throughout the day to make sure your body stays hydrated.
Now that you’ve ran around all day, worked out, and eaten a healthy meal with plenty of water, it’s time to think about your sleep schedule. It can be easy to be tempted to go to bed super early during the winter. Did you know that sleeping too much can actually make you more tired? Try to stick to whichever amount of sleep gives you the best results the following day. If you are actually having trouble sleeping, consider cutting out caffeine, getting more exercise, or even trying a natural supplement like melatonin.
When you have some free time, plan out some time for self-care. It can be difficult to remember what helps you relax when you’re stressed. If the holidays have you feeling this way, take a minute and think about what would help you wind down or feel better. It can be something like meditating, reading your favorite book, or watching your favorite Christmas movie. Otherwise, you may enjoy taking a bath, doing a face mask, or painting your nails. The possibilities are endless.
Another way to ensure physical wellness is to consider home safety. Keeping your home safe is vital to keeping your body safe. Below I have listed some things you may want to check off on your home safety list to keep yourself and others safe:
- Do not leave fires (stoves, candles, fireplaces, turkey fryers, etc.) unattended.
- Lock up all medications, chemicals, and firearms.
- Keep tinsel, harmful plants, and candy away from pets.
- Make sure that pets have a safe and comfortable place, especially if guests get too loud.
- Practice electrical safety.
- Keep your walkways free of ice and snow.
- Make sure your outdoor/path lighting is in working order.
- Keep your first-aid stocked.
- Locate and check fire extinguishers.
- Check smoke detector, fire alarm, and carbon-monoxide detector.
- Check that there is nothing in your house to trip or slip on.
- If you may have children in your home, consider temporary childproofing during the holidays.
- Sharpen your knives, dull knives are more dangerous.
- Know where jumper cables are in case you, or a guest, need them.
Finally, I am listing below a recipe that you can use as an alternative to some unhealthy snacks this holiday season. It is super fast and easy to make, so hopefully it helps to curb your cravings!
Black Bean Hummus
- 1 15 oz can of black beans rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Put all of the ingredients, except the cilantro, into a food processor. After processing, stir in cilantro. You’re all done! Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. This side is delicious with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, sliced bell peppers, or even pita chips. It can also be used as a spread. I hope you enjoy!
Olive Branch Dove
CounselingMatters.live 
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