Eating too much, drinking too much, not getting enough sleep... While the holidays are often associated with joy and spending quality time with family and friends, they can also be hard on your body, health, and energy levels. Here are a few tips you can use to start the year off right!
1
Get back to healthy habits
Have you been overindulging in life’s pleasures? It happens to the best of us! After a period of excess, the most important thing is to restore balance.
Don’t worry, if you have a healthy lifestyle most of the time, your body will recover quickly. You can also move things along by following these tips:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Eat healthy balanced meals.
- Get enough sleep.
- Take the time to exercise.
Returning to your healthy lifestyle habits will help you recover from the holidays and stay in good health.
2
Dealing with digestion issues
The holidays can often lead to issues with digestion. We tend to eat richer foods in greater amounts, drink more alcohol, and stray from our routines.
Whether we experience nausea, heart burn, acid reflux, diarrhea, or bloating, digestive issues can take a real toll on our bodies! While these symptoms are usually temporary, they can be very uncomfortable.
Here are a few tips to help with digestion:
- Try to limit your alcohol consumption.
- Eat smaller portions more often.
- Reduce the amount of coffee you drink and the amount of spicy and acidic foods you eat, as these can be irritating for the stomach.
- Avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar, opting for high-fibre foods like fruit and vegetables instead.
3
Viral infections
The fall and winter months already tend to be harder on our immune systems, but holiday gatherings can really increase the likelihood of catching a virus.
And this was true long before the arrival of COVID-19! The flu, the common cold, gastroenteritis . . . There are many viruses that can affect us in January. To avoid such infections, wash your hands often, keep your distance, and limit your contacts.
If, despite taking all necessary precautions, you still experience symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, stay home and practise self-care by making sure you stay hydrated and well rested. If your symptoms persist or are uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to consult your pharmacist for advice on how to relieve them. A medical consultation may also be necessary.
Beware of "miracle diets"
After certain periods of excess, you may feel the need to make significant changes to your diet and lifestyle. Be careful not to overdo it on that front either! You might be tempted to try a fad diet, detox, or cleanse, but the best way to counteract holiday indulgences is to return to normalcy. Your body doesn’t need any special products to get rid of toxins and extra weight. Drink water, be active, eat healthy, and sleep! This approach will be much healthier and more restorative than any misleading product you can buy.
Last updated on December 19, 2022