As we enter the holiday season, this can be a great time to get together with family and friends who we may have not seen since last holiday season. Holidays bring people together and are a time of celebration! However, as joyous as this time can be, sometimes our health and fitness can be neglected. This can be especially difficult when are surrounded by food options that aren’t the best for optimal health. 

Here are some tips, tricks, and different things you can try to have a healthy holiday! 

How Vitamins can Help you During the Holidays

Vitamins can help with any deficiencies or nutrients you may lack during the holidays. Vitamins perform many different functions in the body, ranging from bone health to hair growth. These essential vitamins and minerals can also help you stay consistent in making sure your body gets the nutrients it needs. 

We recommend vitamin D and vitamin C during the holidays. As the days get shorter, the weather gets colder, and there is less sun. Vitamins can help reverse some of the side effects of the weather change. 

Vitamin D specifically is known for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D can help with a lack of calcium. Vitamin C can help boost your immune system. This can be especially valuable during the holidays when you may be surrounded by different family members and are more likely to catch a cold. 

Wash your Hands Often 

COVID-19 has taken a toll on our interactions with all of those around us, especially our loved ones. The Omicron variant has been recently announced and this has come around the holidays, where we can be very susceptible to the virus. 

Keep yourself healthy and safe by washing your hands! We may not be aware of all the things we touch throughout the day, so make sure you have a bottle of hand sanitizer around if washing your hands with soap and water is not an option. 

Click here to see what the Government of Canada says about hand hygiene. 

Meditation, Stretching, and Yoga

Being around family during the holidays can be stressful. Things such as financial issues, preparation, and different obligations that are needed during this time can take a toll on our physical and mental health. 

Start the day off by either meditating, stretching or participating in yoga, along with taking your daily vitamins. These calming activities can help you focus on the positive aspects of the holidays and help set your day up for success. 

Studies on meditation, stretching, and yoga have found these activities helpful for stress management, increasing patience, and improving relationships.  

Takeaways

It is important to value and focus on your health during the holidays, both physical and mental. Make sure to take your vitamins, stay consistent when washing your heads, and try meditation, stretching, or yoga during the holidays to help manage stress.