Health and wellness tips for the holidays

The holidays are an exciting time to gather with friends and family and be grateful. In order to make the most of the festive season, we’ve gathered some tips from experts to address common holiday issues so that we can all enjoy this wonderful time of year to the fullest extent.

Stay Positive and Stress Free

One of the main issues people face is maintaining positive thinking and managing stress during this busy time. Michael Edwards, licensed professional counselor at North Valley Behavioral Health, has a few recommendations, including finding a balance between doing too much during the holidays and self-care. Edwards suggests incorporating self-care activities into your daily routine, including physical exercise, deep breathing/meditation and healthy expression of your true feelings. The key is despite feeling overwhelmed, to still make time for yourself.

Don’t Overdo it with Alcohol

In response to alcohol at holiday events, Edwards expresses that moderation is key. For some it may be more difficult than others, yet generally the guidelines are less than two drinks for men and one drink for women per occasion. If you’re not drinking, make sure you plan ahead on how you will handle situations where there will be alcohol, such as attending functions with another person who is abstaining, or by drinking festive non-alcoholic beverages.

Beat the “Holiday Blues”

Margaret Kearney, Program Director at Embrace Health, addressed the occurrence of the “holiday blues,” which involves feeling isolated and lonely. For those experiencing this, it can help to remind oneself that feelings of sadness can be present and valid. If memorializing someone, you can honor the person(s) lost by establishing a new ritual or way of remembering them (creating a special ornament, writing a letter), and balance this with reminders to look ahead to the future.

Eat Healthy but Allow for Some Indulgence

Another holiday trip up is healthy eating, and how to manage holiday meals. It’s OK to enjoy a special treat or large meal or two, but North Valley Hospital Dietitian Carrie Archibald explains that it’s a good idea to get back to healthy eating at your next meal or snack after you over indulge, instead of waiting until Jan. 1. Also, a common recommendation is to stick to a regular exercise routine despite holiday distractions. It will make you feel physically and mentally better!

Prevent Common Injuries

Finally, Stacy Dolan at North Valley Physical Therapy addressed trips and falls – common holiday season injuries and how to prevent them. To prevent falls, use ice melt or fertilizer to keep your walkways free of ice. Keep a small plastic bag of kitty litter stored in your car door pocket to scatter on icy surfaces when exiting your car. If you do have to walk on ice, walk with a wider stance and turn your feet out slightly to increase your base of support. Use removable snow cleats and trekking poles or an old ski pole to provide an extra point of contact. If you walk with a cane, invest in a new tip suited for ice and snow.

We hope these tips will help keep you happy and healthy and make for an enjoyable holiday season. Happy holidays from everyone at North Valley Hospital!

Allison Linville is the community relations coordinator at North Valley Hospital,