Fueling your body to get the most out of the holidays

We are almost halfway through December. Can you believe it? As you are taking part in all of the holiday activities: parades, pictures with Santa, church activities, holiday parties, light shows, and so much more are you finding yourself tired? Let’s look at how you can ensure you are replenishing your body so that you can be the best version of yourself.

‍Get enough sleep

Is this easier said than done? To try to achieve a healthy amount of sleep, it’s important to try to stick to your normal routine. Know that you can have some exceptions to your “normal” but your body responds best to going to bed at the same time every day and getting up at the same time as well. 

‍Manage your stress

Are there certain environments that trigger your stress? If so, learn how to manage those. If you’re going to a party with your spouse, have a discussion up front. Talk about your exit strategy if someone gets uncomfortable. 

If a busy calendar induces your stress, be aware of this. You don’t have to say “yes” to everything. Prioritize what brings you joy. Discuss with your family unit some of their favorite memories from previous Christmases. Listen to the events that are repeated and be sure to include those traditions.

‍Food and drinks play a role in how you feel

If you eat heavier meals, they can make you feel sleepy and disrupt your quality of sleep. Be mindful of this and try to eat smaller portions and take breaks. We also consume extra sweets during the holidays. Eating a sugary treat on an empty stomach can cause swings in your blood sugar and then lead to a sugar crash. Sugar also can also impact your quality of sleep when you have it in the evenings.

Festive cocktails are often a part of holiday celebrations. Drinking alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, but it also disrupts your sleep cycles. This can cause you to wake up in the morning feeling tired and unrested. Long term alcohol use can lead to chronic sleep problems.

Over the next few weeks, think through your schedule. Be sure you are spending quality time with the people you love and honoring your traditions. Protect your body by getting enough sleep and balancing your eating and drinking so that you will feel up to participating in more activities. This time of year is supposed to be joyful. Focus on that.

Healthstar Physicians wishes you and your family a happy holiday season. We provide medical services across 7 counties and offer a wide variety of medical services from family physicians to many specialties. If you are looking for a new doctor, please reach out to our team.