As the holidays approach, it’s important to keep your health in mind. The better you feel, the more you can enjoy festivities with family and friends. Try these tips for a happy, healthy holiday season:
Get a flu shot. The flu spreads when infected people around you talk, sneeze or cough. The best way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot. If you haven’t already, talk to your doctor about getting the shot, or visit your neighborhood pharmacy.
Wash your hands often. This is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick. Hand-washing gets rid of germs that collect on your hands when you touch people, objects or surfaces before the germs can affect you or spread to others.
Eat healthy. It can be tough to find healthy options at holiday meals, but you can eat smart by:
Choosing lean proteins and lots of vegetables and fruits
Bringing your own healthy dish to potlucks
Eating your favorite foods, but trying smaller portions
Make time to relax. This season is a joyful time, but busy holiday schedules can sometimes leave you feeling tired or anxious. Take a break when you need to, and set aside time to do things that help you feel calm, like exercising or reading. And if you have these feelings for a long period of time or feel you have signs of depression, be sure to talk to your doctor.