Holidays and Your Health
Between an endless cookie tray at the office, busy schedules that can take a toll on your healthy routines, family struggles, the pressure of planning the perfect party and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in these darkest days, the holidays aren’t always healthy days. “Many of our patients this time a year are struggling with frantic schedules, high expectations and less time for self-care, something we all understand a little too well,” said Dr. Donna Block. “I encourage the women we see – and myself – to find just 10 minutes a day to do something good for themselves. Even a small break from the busy season can help you appreciate it that much more.” Besides taking short breaks from shopping, cooking, hosting and planning, the following tips can bring more merry back into your holiday season: —Move. If it’s too cold to walk outside, find a mall, museum or good set of stairs. The repetition of walking is soothing, it promotes feel-good hormones and, on the days when you can get outside, you can soak up a little vitamin D.
—Acknowledge your feelings. It’s ok to feel sad or frustrated. Express what you’re feeling and ask for help when you need it. —Let go of perfection. Traditions change as times change. It’s ok if your house isn’t magazine-ready or if your cookies aren’t cookie-cutter perfect. Focus on the good and let go of the “should.” —Stick to your budget. It’s easy to get carried away when shopping for gifts and food, so make sure you have a budget in mind – and seek out endless sales – before you leave the house or log on. Little things can make a big difference this time of year – even a whiff of citrus is reported to reduce feelings of sadness and depression. “As women, we are often conditioned to bear the weight of the world on our shoulders, but when we learn to put some weight down, to share the load, and to reach out to friends and family, we feel better and have more energy to enjoy the best parts of the season,” Dr. Block added.
