12 Ways to Enjoy a Healthier Christmas

12 Ways to Enjoy a Healthier Christmas

The month of December can bring a lot of wonderful memories but can also be a stressful time of year.  There are festivities, family gatherings, decorations, music, joy and goodwill.  It is a month that is easy to overdo.  If there are too many plans it can make what should be a fun holiday into a stressful mess.  If you take time and focus on some simple healthy activities, you may be able to ease the amount of yuletide mess.  Try to implement the following 12 items into your month of December.

1. Stress: Plan less and enjoy more.  Stress can lead to increased irritability, high blood pressure and loss of sleep.  If you don’t over plan, you will have less stress accomplishing your goals for the month.
2. Sleep: In order to enjoy your day to the fullest, it is best to start off rested.  A good night’s rest starts the day off best.  Avoid caffeine later in the evenings and take a break from the social media rabbit hole so you can clear your head.  Have a regular time to start to relax and try to go to sleep around the same time each night.
3. Water: Drink more water.  Spend the month of December trying to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water.  This is something you should focus on all day long.  If you wait till the end of the day, you will interfere with your sleep.
4. Listen to Music: Music can help set the emotional and mental tone for a great day. If you have a particular type of music, take time during the day and listen.  You can play music in the background while you are getting ready for a good night’s sleep.  It will help occupy your mind from wandering on to more stressful chores.
5. Alcohol: Indulge with self-control.  During the holidays, we can be tempted to indulge more frequently and, in more quantity, while entertaining family and friends.  Too much alcohol during holidays can lead to increases in slips, falls and motor vehicle accidents.
6. Laugh: Laughter is another great activity that helps the physical and mental aspects of health. It is contagious, great for you and everyone around you.  It releases endorphins which promote an overall sense of well-being and can temporarily relieve pain.
7. Unplug: Enjoy a day without social media.  We have become an overstimulated population with 24-hour access to anything we want in one handheld device.  This can cause the body’s nervous system to become so ramped up it will increase the stress hormones.  This will lead to an increase in stress.
8. Mobility: The days are short as is the time. The increase in darkness leads to a decrease in activity.  If we spend too much time plugged in to social media, the day can fly by with very little activity.
9. Eat Well: There are times during the holiday to indulge.  The key is offsetting the indulgence days by eating well the remainder of the month.  Having smaller meals throughout the day can lead to less stress on the body’s digestive system.  Less stress into the body allows for more stress before it breaks down.  The food you eat today is your energy for tomorrow.
10. Take a Walk: Take time for yourself, unplugged or possibly listening to your favorite music. The body is meant for movement and a healthy walk outside could be just the thing you need to de-stress.
11. Volunteer: Make time to give time. This doesn’t have to be an all-day event but do something to help others.  It offsets the feeling of stress, anxiety and depression.
12. Reflect: Take time to reflect on your years accomplishments. Focus on the positive aspects of the year and spend time enjoying those memories.

— This article was written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group  to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.

Chambers Medical Group has car accident medical clinics in the following locations:

• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence