Christmas is, once again, upon us. In this very busy season, it is quite easy for people to fall out of their daily routines, causing altered diet, exercise, and sleep patterns. Add to that the stress of the Christmas rush. Doctors can also attest that December is one of those months when clinic consults decrease. So, here are just a few reminders on how to maintain your wellness during the holidays.
1. Watch what you eat. Do not forget and forego diet restrictions (for example, low salt for hypertensives, low fat for hypercholesterolemics) just because it is the Christmas season.
While we recognize that our culture puts so much value on eating and sharing food when we are with family and friends and we greatly appreciate what is laid out on the table, it would be prudent to limit food items that are included in dietary restrictions. Take small portions, if you must, just to taste and show your gratitude to your host. Remember that when food is concerned, moderation, balance, and variety are important.
It is indeed very tempting to just enjoy all the food and worry about burning the calories later on in the case when one has no dietary restrictions. Should you want to limit the weight you might put on, be wise in sampling the food during parties and gatherings. Take a healthy snack before going to a party just so you feel a little full or drink a glass of water before you begin your meal. And when there is more than one party for the day and you have to rush to different gatherings with little time in between, designate which meal would be eaten at which party, or even divide your meal, such that your main course may be taken at party A and your dessert at party B.
May I also add on to this—watch what you drink! It is worth reiterating to have a designated driver and that driving and alcohol don’t mix.
2. Maximize opportunities for physical activity. If exercise time becomes limited, find other windows for stretching those muscles. Simple things such as using the stairs instead of elevators and escalators or picking a parking slot that is quite far will add to your walking time. Stretch and perform simple exercises at work and even while travelling. There are a lot of online materials teaching these routines that can be squeezed in almost anywhere and anytime.
3. Have adequate rest and sleep. The Christmas rush can really be very tiring. It is therefore important to rejuvenate daily. Take several minutes to relax and slow down when things get really busy. For ladies who do most of the shopping, be kind to your leg muscles and wear comfortable shoes. Have a change of shoes or slippers ready after wearing those killer heels to parties.
With regards to sleep, given that there are really days during the Christmas season that our “clock” gets a little disturbed (such as attending dawn masses or waking up at midnight for Noche Buena), we should listen to our bodies when they are asking for sleep to pay off the sleep debt that we incur. Naps during the daytime may also be helpful. If sleeping really becomes a problem, then avoid drinking coffee and caffeinated drinks from mid-afternoon onwards. Set a desired bedtime and stop all activities (including gadgets) at least half an hour before that so your body can start to relax. Taking something warm and dimming the lights can also help induce sleep.
4. Keep to your medication schedule. Be extra diligent in taking your maintenance medications or reminding your family members to take their maintenance medications. Anticipate adjustments in meal times (as what happens when we wait for family members or friends during gatherings) and always bring a snack to ensure that you take in something at your usual meal times. This is important for diabetics and for those who have to take certain medications in reference to a meal (for example, an hour before or after lunch).
5. De-stress or refuse to be stressed out. Identify your triggers for stress during the holidays and plan ahead. For example, it is quite stressful for working moms to plan the Christmas menu and squeeze in shopping time during the weekdays. So it would be advisable to check out opening and closing hours of the supermarket or mall and schedule your shopping accordingly. You can also plan ahead to avoid the horrendous Christmas traffic. Last week, it was announced that the MMDA has opened alternative routes or Christmas Lanes in Metro Manila and a new schedule for the truck ban has taken effect to help ease the traffic a bit. So check out these new routes online and plan your way around the metro for a stress-free holiday!
Last, but definitely, not least, meditate, pray, and focus on your spirituality as this should be the central theme for the season. Count your blessings and do not forget to say a prayer for those who have suffered this year. As another year draws to a close, we also pray for better health and a brighter year ahead for all of us.
Merry Christmas!