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Writer's pictureDr. Jeremy Will, D.C.

Thriving Through the Holidays with Healthy Habits


Many of us look forward to festive celebrations, family gatherings, and delicious meals as the holiday season approaches. While it’s great to enjoy these moments, it’s also essential to prioritize your health during this time of year. By adopting healthy habits, you can navigate the holiday season feeling energetic and vibrant.


Embrace Healthy Eating Habits


One great habit to practice during the holidays is mindful eating. This means taking the time to eat your meals and appreciate the different flavors. When you pay attention to what you eat, you’ll feel satisfied with smaller portions, making your meals more delightful.


Adding nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to your holiday meals is also essential. These foods contain vitamins and minerals that help your body stay strong and energized. By choosing these healthy options, you can still have delicious meals while caring for your health.


Don’t forget to stay hydrated during the busy holiday season! Drinking enough water is essential for keeping your energy up and helping with digestion. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to help control cravings.


Stay Active


Incorporating movement into your holiday routine is critical. Whether you take a brisk walk after meals, play outdoor games with family, or join a seasonal fitness class, staying active helps keep your energy up and supports your overall health.


It’s a good idea to schedule workouts like any necessary appointment. Even setting aside 20-30 minutes daily for exercise can help you stay on track with your health goals during this busy time.


You can also explore outdoor activities like hiking, ice skating, or simply taking a stroll in the park. These activities can lift your spirits and keep you moving, making your holidays even better.


Prioritize Self-Care


Start by setting realistic goals. Aim for overall health and happiness instead of focusing on specific weight targets. Setting achievable goals can reduce stress and make your holiday experience more enjoyable.


Next, practice self-compassion. The holidays are a time for celebration, so allow yourself to indulge without feeling guilty. Enjoy the festivities while keeping your health in mind.


Lastly, listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel during the season. If you’re tired or not feeling well, don’t hesitate to change your routine to focus on rest and recovery.


Conclusion


This holiday season, focus on maintaining your health through mindful eating, regular physical activity, and self-care. Adopting these healthy habits allows you to enjoy the festivities while feeling your best.


Remember, your well-being is a journey, and your choices can lead to positive changes in the coming months. Embrace the joy, prioritize your health, and have a vibrant holiday season!

 



 

 

Want Less Low Back Pain? Go to Bed!

 

A very recent publication that reviewed sleep patterns of over 6,000 participants evaluated their sleep habits and incidence rates of low back pain. The results were very definitive, resulting in an L-shaped curve when plotted on a graph. This means that as sleep decreased, the frequency and severity of low back pain sharply increased. The most interesting finding was that the curve plateaus at approximately 6.5 hours of sleep each night. So if you want to significantly decrease your chances of back pain, then plan to get over 6.5 hours of sleep (preferably 8 hours!) each night.


If you need any help or have trouble falling asleep at night, check out this infographic for good sleep recommendations.

 

 Hu D, Zhang Y, Liu X, Yang X, Liang X, Hu X, Yuan H, Zhao C. Sleeping <6.55 h per day was associated with a higher risk of low back pain in adults aged over 50 years: a Korean nationwide cross-sectional study. Front Public Health. 2024 Sep 20;12:1429495. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1429495. PMID: 39371204; PMCID: PMC11449761.

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