The holidays can be a stressful time both mentally and physically. Below, our OBGYNs share five tips on how to prepare for the holiday season so you can enjoy the festivities while staying healthy.
- Keep a regular sleep schedule. Sleeping the recommended 7-9 hours a night goes a long way to keeping your immune system working and your adrenals healthy when faced with holiday stress. Try to avoid electronics (or switch the settings to night mode) right before bed. The blue light in electronic devices activates the pineal gland and prevents melatonin from being released, which is needed for restful sleep.
- Eat lots of fruit and veggies. Try to get 7-10 servings (1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw is a serving) of fruits and vegetables a day. This will keep you full of good food and help avoid the temptation of all the holiday treats around you.
- Exercise regularly. Often during the holidays we don’t follow our daily routines and exercise tends to fall off the radar. It is important for your mental and physical health to MOVE YOUR BODY every single day. That doesn’t mean hit the gym or run a marathon, just get up off the couch and stay active.
- Don’t forget to breathe. Doing one minute a day of diaphragmatic breathing goes a long way to managing your stress. Two options are to breathe in for the count of four and breathe out for the count of eight, or breathe in for the count of one, out for the count of one, breathe in for the count of two and out for the count of two up to the count of ten. These exercises can be done before bed to help relax your body.
- Practice gratitude. The holidays are a good time to focus on what’s really meaningful in our lives. Try to say thank you often and focus on all the things you are thankful for.
About The Oregon Clinic OBGYNs:
We are a caring and compassionate group of doctors and nurse practitioners who provide exceptional care to patients at any age and any stage of life.