Managing Stress and Staying Healthy During the Holidays

The kids are excited about the presents, and you're excited about the celebrations and gathering. The holidays are a time of joy and happiness, but they can also make you feel a bit anxious and overwhelmed. 

Dr. Hammad Zaidi and the team at A&U Medicine know all about the stress that comes with the holidays and how it affects physical and emotional well-being. We want you to enjoy the season of food and festivities without the anxiety, so we’re offering some expert tips for managing stress and staying healthy during the holidays.

Be OK with saying no

Between the shopping, cooking, and parties, time is tight during the holiday season. Add in traffic and long lines, and you can sometimes feel your stress level rise.

You don’t have to do it all. It’s OK to say no to invitations and give a homemade gift instead of something store-bought.

Adding too much to your schedule and feeling short on time makes you anxious and stressed and may cause your blood pressure to rise. The stress can also increase your hunger and cravings for foods that are high in fat and sugar. 

Saying no is something you should do for your health. 

Stick to a balanced diet

The holidays are filled with some of your favorite foods, and you should enjoy them. While it’s hard to avoid all of the sweet treats at work and at home, generally sticking to your usual balanced diet can help you stay on track.

Eating healthy foods at your regular mealtimes may limit or prevent overeating and holiday weight gain. It also helps keep energy levels up and hunger under control. It’s OK to eat dessert, but be mindful of portion size. 

Following your usual eating plan is especially important if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Nutrition is a major part of the treatment plan for these health conditions, and getting off track may cause symptoms that affect your health and wellness.

Make time for movement

If you’re traveling or hosting guests, you may skip your usual exercise routine during the holidays, but make an effort — all activity counts. 

If you can’t commit to an hour-long workout, find other ways to add more movement into your day. Park farther away from an entrance to get in extra steps, take an extra lap around the mall before heading home, or plan a group walk after your holiday meal.

You can also include activities at your gatherings that get you off the couch, such as learning the latest dance on social media or doing a scavenger hunt. 

Don’t skimp on sleep

Sleep gets sacrificed when you’re short on time. But not getting enough sleep makes it harder to manage the demands of the day, decreasing your stress tolerance. 

Try to stick to your usual sleep schedule during the holiday season, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Keep your bedroom dark and cool. Turn off electronics about an hour before bed so you fall asleep faster, as the light from electronics reduces production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.

Managing stress and staying healthy during the holidays makes the season more enjoyable. 

If you’re feeling stressed and sick and need help, call our office in Sugar Land, Texas, today or book an appointment online. We can help you manage the holidays and keep you well.