GET HEALTHY

health | get healthy 8 Holiday Health Issues to Watch Out For

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS

The holidays bring alternate schedules and longer to-do lists. While this time can be full of fun and excitement, it can also lead to additional stress and poor health choices. This holiday season, try these tips to make healthier decisions. 1. It’s OK to Not Get a Second Helping! The holidays are full of celebrations that often center around food and traditions. Pies, cookies, sweets and homemade meals are abundant. The average American gains approximately five to seven pounds over the holidays. It’s possible to enjoy your favorites without packing on the extra pounds. If you know you will be at an event where you want to eat heavier foods, eat lighter throughout the rest of the day and dole out small portions of your favorites.

2. Keep Stress at Bay The holidays can be stressful. Between holiday events, shopping, family reunions, and kids being on break from school, it can be overwhelming. While holiday stress is common, don’t let it get you down. Schedule time for yourself and put self-care at the top of the list. Take time to read a book, take a long bath, schedule a massage or watch a movie.

3. Cheers to That… Within Reason! Holiday celebrations are full of cocktails and adult beverages. Between party hopping and holiday stress, the drink tally can quickly rise. Drinks carry a lot of excess calories and contribute to holiday weight gain. Excessive drinking can also lead to other risky behaviors and lead down a path of addiction. Limit alcoholic drinks to one to two at a setting and drink plenty of water. If you fear your drinking has gotten out of control, seek professional help. (Never drink and drive!) 4. Say No to Getting Involved in Family Drama Many people spend extra time with their families during the holidays. Sometimes these are family members we see less frequently, and the close quarters and extra time can bring out conflicts and drama. Separating yourself from the drama and avoiding taking sides will help keep your mental health stable throughout the holidays and beyond.

5. Shop Til You Don’t Drop The pressure to buy, buy, buy can be overwhelming. We want to give gifts to friends and family as well as those special people like teachers, housekeepers and mail delivery drivers. Blockbuster sales and a consumer culture make it easy to get swept up in the overspending. To protect your financial wellness, make a list and a budget for your holiday shopping and stick to it.

6. Battling the Blues with Love While the holidays can be full of joy and holiday cheer, they can also cause feelings of loneliness and depression for many people. Most often, this passes after the start of the new year, but it can be difficult during a time that is advertised as joyful. Make sure you are taking plenty of time to recharge yourself as well as connect with people you love. If you feel like it’s more than just a mild case of the blues, seek professional help. Talking with a professional can help you get through the holidays and beyond.

7. Catching ZZZ’s The busy-ness of the holiday season may have you running on fumes. Sleep is an integral part of overall health. When your body doesn’t get adequate sleep, it wears down your immune system and makes you more susceptible to illness. With flu season and COVID, it’s more important than ever to rest your body and mind to prevent getting sick. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and enough rest and relaxation throughout the day.

8. Move Your Body Don’t let hectic schedules derail you from your workout routine. Make exercise a priority to help avoid holiday weight gain, maintain sanity, and prevent getting worn down. If you don’t currently have a regular routine, start adding walks a few times a week. If you need alone time, walk solo. Walking can also be a great way to connect with relatives while also getting in some exercise.

This year, take time to enjoy the season and the people you love. Revel in the small moments of joy. Stick to your healthy habits and make this a season to remember!

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Tips for Holiday Budgeting

BY JACQUELINE SAGUIN

To Scrooge or not to Scrooge? That is the question. The holidays are a season of giving, which also means it’s the season of spending. Buying the perfect gift for everyone can force you to spend more than you can afford, stripping the joy from giving. Santa may do it, but you don’t have to. Here’s how to survive and enjoy this holiday season:

1. Make a List, and Check It Twice Create a complete list of your expected holiday expenses, including gifts, cards, decorations, wrapping paper and donations.

2. Figure Out Your Holiday Budget. Be sure to only use money set aside for holiday spending or use extra money in the budget. Do not plan to spend more than you have saved, with the intention to pay it off later. And beware of the credit card as much as possible.

Budget each occasion and spend accordingly. If you’re going to an office holiday party, you’ll know you have about $20 to spend and can look for gifts in that range. Ask your children for a wish list of about 10 items, cutting down to what they “can’t live without” versus what catches their eye.

3. Who’s “Naughty” or “Nice?” Limit your shopping list to immediate family and a few close friends. Opt for personal and thoughtful gifts like a framed photo or a homemade gift. Bake cookies for all the people who didn’t make it on your original gift list.

Start a new tradition with big friend groups. It’s a struggled balance choosing both a perfect and affordable gift. That’s why gift exchanges like Secret Santa or White Elephant combine a fun party twist and an affordable holiday for everyone.

4. Shop Cyber Sales Early Online shopping saves time and money as you comparison shop. And it looks like the new norm for this holiday season. Many online stores offer extra savings and free shipping over the Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday.

However, there aren’t huge markdown differences between Black Friday or Cyber Monday promotions and regular holiday sales. Instead of focusing on these largely advertised events, look for deals every day.

Stores like Wal-Mart and Amazon Prime started early, featuring massive price drops on popular products. Look for free shipping codes and anticipate extra time for your gifts to arrive.

5. Deck the Halls with Dollar Deals Fancy gift wrapping is only spared a glance before it’s ripped away by children. Take a trip to the dollar store! It’s a great place to load up on holiday wrapping supplies like bows and tape. (Bonus: You’ll also find stocking stuffers such as candy and toys). All those leftover gift boxes and unused gift tags scattered around on Christmas day? Find a storage bin to save wrapping supplies, so you can reuse it next year!

6. Dish Out Posh Potlucks Rather than dining out, a homemade dinner is a more safe and intimate celebration! But don’t place the responsibility on yourself to whip up an elaborate holiday meal. Encourage guests to bring a dish to share. Everyone enjoys a variety of food and saves! Incorporate festive games to further entertain guests.

7. Staying In Is the New Going Out Holiday traveling is tricky to navigate during this time. Adopt new memorable traditions like local Christmas performances or drive around and see neighborhood Christmas lights. The holiday season is all about quality time with family. Watch holiday movies and decorate cookies together! An expense doesn’t always equate to fun.

SHOP THEsales!

Black Friday

is the day after Thanksgiving.

Cyber Monday

is the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Free Shipping Day is on Dec. 14.

A one-day event, with hundreds of stores offering free shipping and other special deals.