By Erin Buell
The middle of December is already here. The holiday season started a few weeks ago with Thanksgiving, and perhaps overstuffing our tummies with turkey, buttery potatoes and pies. For some of us, it was a solid goodbye to any resolve we may have had during the swimsuit season gone by. Now with a string of holidays ahead, our schedules and budgets are perhaps stretched to stressful limits. Cocktail hour may too often replace the after-work workout. It is difficult to think that this time of year can offer anything that promotes good health.
The good news is that with a little attention and intention, there can be many healthy elements to this holiday season. Planning is essential; planning your schedule, your budget and your menus can alleviate a lot of stress. Don't forget to factor in some flexibility; plans change, things get forgotten. Leaving a little wiggle room in your schedule will keep the stress down when things change at the last minute.
Food is an important part of holiday celebrations. Food brings families and friends together, integrates cultures and establishes traditions that pass from generation to generation. Instead of stressing over calories, or feeling guilt over sweet or savory indulgences, embrace the joy of sharing a meal. Keep portions smaller than past years, and eat slowly to fully enjoy the wonderful seasonal concoctions. Serve fruits, vegetables and whole grains with each meal. Cook a few favorite dishes and have guests contribute by bringing a dish, a decoration or a helping hand in the kitchen. Sharing the preparations honors your guests by letting them introduce their own family favorites, and lightens the burden for the host. Keep plenty of water, wonderful teas and hot cider handy to help limit the intake of alcohol and soda.
Taking care of our health is, of course, important. We know that diet and exercise are great for achieving a better quality of life and even for preventing illness and disease. We know that stress and anxiety can contribute to both long- and short-term health concerns. For this holiday season, think about the gift of your own health. Make one of your gifts to your family and loved ones the gift of taking care of you. From setting a good example for your children to adding quality and time to your life, healthy choices may be the best and longest-lasting gift you can give.
Try taking the gift of health a step further. Schedule your yearly medical check-up. Ask your doctor if you are due for any screenings such as a mammogram or colonoscopy, or for glucose, prostate health or cholesterol. Watch for local events—often offered for free or affordable prices—that promote mental and physical health. It tends to be more expensive to be ill than to be well, so in the long run, these preventative measures could save you and your family some financial and emotional stress.
Take a minute to consider some of the meaningful elements of this season: joy, love, peace, family and friends, giving and receiving. Incorporate the events that support these things and allow yourself the flexibility to attend the things that add joy—and to pass on those that add stress. Nourish yourself with good food and exercise as well as with time to consider the things for which you are grateful and joyful, no matter how large or small. The very best gifts to oneself and our loved ones may be to nourish our mental and physical health, and our hearts and souls.
Happy, healthy holidays to all.
Erin Buell is community outreach coordinator and educator for St. Luke's Center for Community Health.
