'Tis the season to stay healthy
How to prioritize your health in this time of endless parties
By Poch Eulalia
At A Glance
- For the season to be jolly, always remember that health is wealth
Images by FREEPIK
As the holiday season reigns, the air is filled with festive excitement and the aroma of delectable treats. Cookies, hot cocoa, sweet ham, and the big ball of cheese are all considered nochebuena staples. But as much as the holidays are a time for feasts, it’s also a dire time to look after your health. We’ve listed a few ways to make sure you healthily celebrate the holidays.

Be careful what you eat
Christmas dinners always have us readying our plates for round two. While lining up for seconds is expected, it’s important to know your body’s limits. Make sure not to overeat as it will likely upset your stomach the next day. For those with dietary restrictions, be mindful of what health experts advise you to avoid. When loading up your plate, it’s always ideal to have a balanced mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins alongside the go-to festive delights.

Keep active throughout the season
Don’t give in to your laziness! While it’s always tempting to rub off exercise as a New Year’s resolution, remember that keeping active goes a long way. To stave off the intrusive thoughts of hibernating the holidays away, incorporate exercise into your festive routine! You can go for simple walks while shopping for presents with the family or go for Christmas-themed activities like ice skating at the rink. Always remember that the best present for yourself is to keep your body healthy through being active.

Get the proper amount of sleep
Staying up too late to watch out for Santa and his reindeer? Or perhaps you’re going the extra mile with work to get that holiday bonus? While either of these is understandable during the Yuletide season, make sure that you’re still getting an adequate amount of rest. Lack of sleep not only affects mood and cognitive function but it also weakens the immune system. Try to keep a consistent sleep routine to ensure your body and mind are rejuvenated for the day ahead.

Don’t forget to hydrate yourself
Christmas time often has us indulging in sweet drinks, rich foods, and the occasional holiday booze. As such, it’s important to remember to always drink water and hydrate our body when we’re out enjoying ourselves. After all, being dehydrated weakens our body as it upsets the balance of minerals in our body. This could lead to a compromised immune system and is an open call for any form of sickness to invade our body. Be sure to always get the recommended amount of water so that your body can remain strong this holiday season.