These days, it’s super important to stay healthy. We don’t have to wait until the New Year to choose two or three focus areas from the following 12 Healthy Countdown Tips we can practice ~ Starting Now! Let’s ‘Make Time For Our Health’ and mark our busy holiday calendars with some friendly automated reminders.
- Be thankful for the body that’s allowing you to experience this holiday season.
- Aim for 30 min/d or 150 min/week of moderate physical activity within your home or in outdoor activities such as walking or using the stairs.
- Take movement breaks during sedentary work periods or during extended periods of screen time.
- Limit late-night snacking and (don’t eat when you’re not hungry!) avoid eating in the absence of hunger.
- Limit consumption of packaged salty and sweet foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Enjoy alcohol in moderation or choose not to drink at all.
- Cope with stress by doing breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, engaging in regular activity and ensuring sufficient sleep.
- Enjoy more plant-based foods, specifically whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and dairy. Substitute with low-sugar, low-salt frozen or canned items if fresh produce is unavailable.
- Cook healthy meals at home.
- Keep good sleep hygiene practices by aiming for at least 7 hours of sleep every night, avoid screens, bright lights, and caffeinated and alcoholic drinks before bed.
- Anchor in Hope.
- Practice Peace, starting from within.
Which ones resonate with you during this holiday season?
Looking for more? Peruse Chapter 12: The Weight of Proper Nutrition of ‘Rise Above: A Playbook On How-To Keep Energy Flowing.’
Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash
Dr. Jaime L. Pula is the author of her best-selling book titled, ‘Rise Above: A Playbook On How-To Keep Energy Flowing.’ She can be reached at jpula@artofhealthsciences.life. And she enjoys connecting on LI at: www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimelpula001/.