days of christmas health and fitness

Planning ahead for Christmas can make the difference between fun and failure. Make a list of things that need done, such as shopping, cooking, presents, decorations, and travel needs. Make the list detailed. Prioritize it in terms of what is important, and what can wait. Stick to those priorities.

America is a big country. As such, the holiday season is a busy, expensive, and, above all, stressful time to travel. Since stress can lead to headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and sleeping problems, reduce travel stress by checking that all travel documents are valid and up?to?date, especially when travelling abroad. Make sure you have a back?up travel plan, as well as all your contact numbers in one place. Travel plans inevitably undergo sudden unforeseen changes, so try to keep a sense of perspective. Remember, travel stories are funny for a reason ? eventually.

Feelings of obligation, of being steamrolled by family traditions, or of simply meeting family expectations and traversing the traditional family?related emotional landmines can all add to seasonal stress. Don t be afraid to set and adhere to healthy boundaries.

Lack of exercise can quickly have a detrimental effect on your waistline however, studies show that even a moderate daily increase in exercise can help to offset weight gain caused by increased holiday eating and drinking. Adding as a brisk 10 ?minute walk, twice a day, to your usual exercise routine can help make sure that your waistline survives the Christmas season.

According to a 2014 study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Heath, people who habitually cook at home consume fewer calories and eat healthier meals than those who don t. Christmas often means eating out more, and a busy holiday schedule can make it hard to find time for healthy cooking at home. Be proactive with your nutrition by cooking healthy meals in advance, and freezing them for the busy days ahead.

Make choosing healthy snacks a priority. Try healthy alternatives for the ubiquitous potato chips and cookies, such as crispy kale chips, dates, and chestnuts. Stock up on vegetables, fruit, and nuts.

Over the Christmas season, financial health is as important as physical health. Try not to overspend. Create a budget and stick to it.

Spirituality is a broad concept defined as a sense of connection with something bigger than ourselves. Whatever your beliefs, a sense of spirituality can help you find meaning, hope, comfort, and inner peace.Whether you celebrate the birth of Christ or the Winter Solstice, exploring the history of December s various winter celebrations can give a new perspective on feeling connected to the holidays.

Louisianans are not averse to tippling. During the festive season, drinking in moderation can become problematic. Don t free pour ? using a measuring system adds up to both less calories, and less chance of a killer hangover.Never drink on an empty stomach, and make sure to alternate alcoholic drinks with non alcoholic drinks, preferably water. Excessive drinking not only dehydrates your body and puts stress on your liver it also adds a river of often un?monitored calories to your diet. Lowered inhibitions also induce overeating. Be mindful of how much you eat and drink.

Consider giving friends and family a new start and a healthier New Year by presenting them with a gym membership, or a paid?in?advance class of their choice.