With the Holiday season fast approaching, taking care of our health often takes a back seat. With the added hustle and bustle of the holidays, here are 4 ways to keep your health on track while enjoying the festivities!
Get enough sleep. Studies have shown that getting enough sleep allows your body a host of benefits from processing and eliminating toxins to bolstering your body’s natural immune system. Not getting enough deep and restful sleep may raise the risk of many diseases and disorders.
When we sleep our brains don’t shut down, but instead, begin the necessary work to repair and restore our health. Deep restful sleep allows your brain to learn, remember, and create. With the added stress of the holidays, getting enough sleep is essential to keeping good health. Most health professionals agree that 7-9 hours of sleep is essential for optimal well-being.
Limit processed foods and alcohol. Make the healthier choice, the easier choice. Healthcare professionals agree that limiting our intake of processed foods and alcohol considerably reduces the risk of developing life-limiting illnesses over time. With instant access to processed foods and fast foods at our fingertips, many are opting for a more traditional whole foods approach for the holiday season.
Not only will choosing whole foods boost your body’s natural immunity, but it also gives you the ability to fight germs and bacteria that may cause infection. With cold and flu season approaching, giving your body the natural food and vitamins that it needs, aids your body in daily repair and defense mechanisms.
Soak up the Sunshine! Did you know that Vitamin D is critical to well-being? Your body requires optimum levels of Vitamin D to function properly. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D and allows your body to better absorb calcium in your diet which in turn ensures optimum bone health.
If your Bone Density (DEXA) scan has shown that you’re at an increased risk for osteoporosis, ensuring that you have optimal levels of Vitamin D is important. Short intervals of natural sunlight during the winter months may be just what the Dr. Ordered.
Getting outside and absorbing 15-30 minutes of natural sunlight will not only help your body with Vitamin D levels but will also help the body-mind to stay centered during more stressful seasons.
Rest, Reflect, Restore. The holiday season and winter months remind us to rest, reflect, and restore. Much like mother nature which appears dormant during the winter season, there is a great deal happening below the surface. Giving our bodies the proper rest is just as essential to our growth and development as reflection and restoration.
Reflect on areas that you’d like to improve upon and work towards sustainable restoration. The holiday season is the perfect time to do just that. Begin keeping a health journal notating your reflections as well as a workable action plan to restore your health. Start small and make attainable goals. Write down important annual screening exams and ensure that you are staying on top of your health by keeping your wellness appointments.
Helping providers help you before an illness occurs can be lifesaving. If you’ve put off annual health and wellness screenings, make it a point to do so before the end of the year. By taking charge of your healthcare, you help others help you in keeping healthy. Start the New Year off with having completed your annual health and wellness checklist.
If you are due for a screening, conveniently schedule a mammogram screening online today!
