Tips for Making Healthier Decisions this Holiday Season

When you’re feeling festive, it is easy to break some of the healthy habits you’ve been working on. Over the holidays especially, many of us tend to eat too much and move too little. 

This year has been particularly challenging for all of us. For many of us, working from home can bring an extra set of challenges with healthy habits. But these decisions can leave a lasting impact, and this year especially, making decisions that encourage optimal health are exceptionally important.

Our team of doctors accepting new patients in Calgary and High River have compiled a quick list of tips to help keep your body, and your mind, in good form during this special time of year.

Remembering to drink water is easy to overlook when there’s eggnog in the fridge. But staying properly hydrated is extremely important when it comes to maintaining good health. Water plays a variety of important roles in the body, including:

• Regulating body temperature
• Preventing infection
• Improving sleep quality and mood

Drinking 6-8 glasses of H20 per day is recommended, so consider asking for a new water bottle this year to
help keep your hydration in check! 

Staying motivated to be physically fit over the holidays can be a challenge. But incorporating daily activity into your holiday break can encourage a variety of health benefits, including helping support your immune system. 

Although gyms and recreation centres are closed in Calgary at the moment, you can still stay active. Incorporate a daily walk into your routine, or try out some outdoor activities with your immediate household like ice skating or tobogganing.

Staying inside?

Set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move, or get tough chores off your to-do list – duties like shovelling the sidewalk or reorganizing the garage require lots of energy and are sure to get your heart pumping!

For most of us, the holidays look quite different this year. But staying in touch with loved ones and connecting virtually or over the phone can have many health benefits.

Older adults especially are at a higher risk when experiencing loneliness. Social isolation has been linked to serious health outcomes including:

• Increased risk of dementia
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Increased rates of depression and anxiety 

By taking opportunities to connect with loved ones in real-time, you will be spreading a little holiday joy and doing your health a favour.