Staying Healthy Through the Holidays

Ah yes, the holidays are once again fast approaching and we will soon be challenged with countless temptations of things we shouldn't really be eating. But hey! It's the holidays - go nuts!

But when I say go nuts, I mean go nuts in moderation. That's the first step to staying healthy this holiday season - do everything in moderation. This means you'll be eating in moderation, shopping in moderation and even sleeping in moderation. If you continue maintaining your body all the while enjoying the pleasures of this season, then you may even emerge unscathed after the holidays.

1) Don't watch what you eat but watch how much of it you eat.

There's no reason to deprive of yourself lovely and tasty treats of the holidays. Unless of course, the action of eating something tasty would result in an imminent heart attack. But if that were the case, I'm sure you would already know to not eat such things. You can eat all the treats you want - candies, mashed potatoes with gravy,and of course, anything and everything that has fat (because fat makes everything taste so much better). Just watch how much you eat! Portion sizes are everything, or so I've been hearing often lately. Portion sizes make all the difference - maybe your body can't handle you drinking a gallon of gravy but it can sure as heck manage a spoonful or so over the course of the holidays.

2) Go out and have fun but remember to have your QTs and sleep well.

What on earth are QTs you ask? Why they are those cute little citrus fruits, 'cuties'! One cutie a day will surely keep the doctor at bay! No, but really, QTs are Quiet Times. I tend to use this expression in religious contexts, but I'm sure that most people nowadays appreciate the beauty of being able to relax in silence. Quiet times are important for your mental health - it helps you rest and take a break from all the holiday crazes. Whatever your QTs may entail, be it listening to music, reading a book or enjoying a bit of white noise, be sure to let your mind rest every once in a while. This idea applies to when you sleep as well - use this time to sleep, not to catch up on work or to stay up finishing those last minute Christmas cards. But if you must get to those cards, my Christian brothers and sisters specifically, feel free to refer to my other article about some Bible verses to use.

3) Don't just be a couch potato, be an active couch potato.

Get up and stretch during those long commercials or go outside with your family for a game of flag football. I don't condemn couch potato-ing practices as I would probably consider myself to be one anyway. I do, however, condemn full-time couch potatoes. Go out and exercise or go for a quick walk. Why? Look at it this way: the healthier your are, the more of the fatty foods you'll get to eat later (without worrying about dying).

4) Be happy.

There is an overabundant amount of joy to be had in the holidays. But maybe you're a bit short on money this year or the family business hasn't been doing well. Are you dealing with a death of someone close? An existential crisis? I'm sure they're all important - but is it worth throwing away your livelihood for those things? Whatever problems or difficulties you may be facing this holiday season, nothing could ever be more important than maintaining your health. Your physical and mental health will help you perservere through all of those things. So go out and have a blast with your family and the people you love.

Live with the true spirit of the holidays and be generous in giving away your smiles - you'll be surprised at how big of a difference this small gesture can make in your life (and the lives of others).

God bless! May your holidays be healthy, safe, and happy!