Four Holiday Health Challenges and How to Overcome Them

You've spent much of the year practicing healthy habits: eating well, staying active, and sticking to a consistent sleep routine. However, the holidays are fast approaching and you're looking forward to family gatherings, delicious meals, holiday movies and other fun activities. You're ready to alter your schedule and indulge in what the season has to offer.

Yet, this can lead to poor food choices, worsening health issues, elevated stress levels, or feelings of loneliness. Instead of completely letting down your guard, there are ways to enjoy the festive season in a healthful, safe manner. 

1. Making poor food choices

During the holidays, treats are everywhere. You might receive treats as gifts, see more dessert options during meals, or even be tempted by sweets at the grocery store. When there are so many delicious options, you might be tempted to overeat.

To rectify this, begin by surveying your food options at meals. Fill up half your plate with fiberful vegetables, a quarter of your plate with lean proteins, and a quarter of your plate with starches and whole grains. Be sure to help yourself to portion sizes that are suited to you instead of overfilling your plate, as overfilling oftentimes leads to overeating. Craving dessert? Skip sugary beverages and help yourself to bite-size samples of your favorite options. Eat slowly and savor every bite.

2. Ignoring new symptoms and flare-ups

Flare-ups of chronic conditions can occur during the holidays due to changes in sleep routines, increased sodium intake, and higher levels of stress. However, we often choose to ignore new symptoms so as not to negatively impact our loved one's schedules. Yet, this can cause chronic conditions to worsen and even prove to be dangerous for your health.

To prevent flare-ups from occurring, be sure to take care of yourself during the holidays. Make only minor changes to your diet and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Make time for exercise and plan ahead to keep your stress levels low. If health symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness do occur, seek immediate medical attention.

3. Stress and burnout

Stress levels are often elevated during the holiday season. Commitments to events, schedule changes, or managing expectations can lead to mental exhaustion. This stress can interfere with how much you're able to enjoy what should be the most festive time of the year.

Plan to set boundaries and share responsibilities this winter. Clearly communicate your availability to friends and family that are interested in visiting and only commit to gatherings you can manage. Have holiday-related tasks you need to complete? Ask for assistance from neighbors or your Home Care Aide. You can be the one to choose the gifts while your Home Care Aide or friend accompanies you to pick them up. Presidio's team can also assist with meal preparation and light housekeeping to keep your home operating while you focus on your tasks during this busy time of year.

4. Loneliness

Feeling loneliness during the holidays is very common. Family may be far away or perhaps you have experienced loss. Outside pressures to socialize can amplify feelings of isolation.

Reach outwards and inwards to cope with loneliness. Even if you don't connect regularly, consider scheduling calls or video chats with friends or family to wish them happy holidays. Be neighborly; greet your neighbors when you see them and engage in pleasant conversations. Participate in volunteer events or community events that are taking place in your area during the holidays; just be sure to not overcommit. Additionally, take special care of yourself this time of year. Continue to prioritize your health the way you do during the rest of the year; stay active by taking walks, stretching, or doing yoga. Stick to a healthy sleep routine and enjoy healthy wintertime produce such as hearty greens and root vegetables. Engage in activities you love, such as reading, watching your favorite holiday movies, or writing in a gratitude journal. You can even come up with a holiday tradition to enjoy by yourself, like drinking hot cocoa while baking cookies.

How Presidio Home Care Can Help

For a happy and healthy holiday season, proactively take steps to overcome common holiday health challenges. Protect the healthy routines you've developed and listen to your body so you can give it what it needs. Let Presidio Home Care Aides help you safeguard your health this holiday season. Our dedicated team can assist you with everything from sticking to your exercise routine to picking up holiday groceries to transportation to your gatherings. Contact us today to learn more.