Ten Traps to Avoid During the Holidays
The holidays are a joyful time of the year but they can also cause a lot of stress and anxiety as you try to fit in more demands with less time. Here are some traps to avoid during this busy time of the year:
- Ignoring your exercise routine – Even if you don’t have time for the gym, you can find alternative ways to stay active. Try walking your dog more often or finding the furthest parking spot to get in some extra steps.
- Abandoning healthy eating habits – Goodies around the office and quick meals from the drive-through can add up if you’re not careful. Keep healthy snacks nearby to avoid temptations.
- Not getting enough sleep – Stay focused and healthy by getting enough rest. Adults should get seven to eight hours of sleep.
- Delaying your flu shot – Have you gotten your flu shot or nasal flu vaccine? Now’s a good time before you hit the crowded malls and airplanes.
- Drinking too much alcohol – Researchers have identified several ways alcohol may increase the risk of cancer. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
- Saying yes to everyone – Sometimes you just have to say no. Taking on too much often leads to stress and sleepless nights.
- Not sticking to a budget – Financial concerns can also keep you up at night. Plan a budget before you start shopping to help you stay on track, so you don’t overspend.
- Trying to do too much – Stay organized throughout the month by adding your to-do list, events and appointments on a calendar or app such as Todoist.
- Skipping meals - It’s easy to skip meals when you’re on the run but you’ll soon lose energy, which often leads poor eating decisions.
- Not having a (healthy) travel plan – In addition to a flu shot or nasal flu vaccine, there are other ways to stay healthy while traveling. Bring antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers, especially on airplanes to clean your hands and tray tables.