As the holiday season draws near, we all look forward to a wonderful time of celebration, togetherness and happiness with family and friends, yet challenges to our physical and emotional well-being may arise during what many consider the happiest time of the year.
Probably the most common threat to one’s health during that time is the stress many experience throughout the holiday season due to a myriad of demands such as parties to host and attend, shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. On top of that, the holiday season will often magnify existing feelings of loneliness and depression that can be harmful to overall health.
Thankfully, there are a number of proven strategies that can help those dealing with those emotions feel better and enjoy the holidays. To begin, it’s advisable to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
Also, when feeling lonely or isolated, get involved with community, religious or other social events that provide support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
Keep in mind that the holidays don’t have to be perfect or identical to previous years. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often evolve as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos, and plan to get together with them to celebrate at a more convenient time for all.
To get the most out of the holidays, try to avoid the common weight gain of 5-10 pounds that often comes with the season. That’s not to say you should deprive yourself of all holiday treats, but try to remember moderation and strive to avoid foods with high caloric content that are low in nutritional value.
Although the holiday season is also accompanied by much colder weather as winter takes hold, do all you can to stay physically active at least four to five times a week, preferably with some form of aerobic exercise.
As the weather gets more frigid outside, it should ring the alarm that cold and flu season is rapidly approaching. Be sure to get your annual flu shot and ask your health care provider what exams or vaccinations you may need and when to get them. Stay warm in the cold weather by dressing in numerous layers. To avoid catastrophic falls, sprinkle sand on icy patches around your house and be watchful of children and the elderly who are at an increased risk of serious injury if they should slip and fall.
While you’re spending a great deal of time prior to and during the holidays thinking about others, don’t forget to treat yourself during that time. Sleep in now and then to get some extra rest because you might need it. Read a book or see a movie you’ve been looking forward to, or perhaps get a massage or a manicure. In the midst of making those around you as happy as possible during the holidays, remember to occasionally treat yourself and take care of your health.
If you have concerns or questions about your health, the health of someone in your family or are in need of a primary care physician for yourself or someone else, please call 317-880-7666 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors.
Dr. Nydia Nunez-Estrada
Family Medicine Physician at Eskenazi Health