Stay Healthy this Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time to rejoice, give thanks, and remember happy occasions from years past. While celebrating with friends and family can be fun and exciting, it can also be hectic and overwhelming, resulting in additional stress for you and your loved ones.
Because you can’t avoid stress completely, CareFocus Companion Services encourages you to remember to pay special attention to your health and safety during this time of year. Follow these tips to provide relief and help ensure a safe and happy holiday season.
Practice time management
Plan ahead and set reasonable expectations. Be realistic about what you can do and expect from the busy holiday season. Allow enough time for shopping and running errands. Planning smaller, more manageable trips can help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and allows you to maintain a healthy work, home, and social life.
Travel safely
Be a smart holiday host or guest. Whether you are traveling across town or to another state, take measures to ensure your trip is safe. Always follow the laws of your state as well as those in which you plan to travel. When driving to your destination, wear seat belts, follow the posted speed limits, and be well-rested, alert, and aware of other drivers on the road.
Drink responsibly
Be sensible about alcoholic drinks. Individuals often leave holiday parties intoxicated and become a danger to others on the road. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), more than 1,000 people die every year from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day in car crashes related to drunk driving incidents. About three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives[1]. This holiday season, don’t drink and drive. There is no reason for you or a loved one to drive while under the influence. Plan ahead. Designate a driver for the evening, if possible, spend the night where you are, or call a cab to help you arrive home safely.
Eat healthy, and be active
With balance and moderation, the holidays can be enjoyed in a healthy manner without over-indulging. Eat a healthy snack to help control your appetite before going to a holiday gathering and never starve yourself the day of a big party or meal. Find the time to stick to an exercise and activity routine. Staying active can help reduce stress and bolster your immune system.
Prevent injuries
Injuries from falls and fires often occur around the holidays. When hanging holiday lights and decorations, use step stools instead of furniture, and have someone spot you during the process. Keep lighted candles away from flammable items such as trees, boughs, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher handy should an incident occur.
Stay warm
Cold temperatures during the winter months can cause serious health problems, particularly in infants, individuals with compromised immune systems, and older adults. Stay dry and dress warmly in several thin layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing. Keeping a fleece blanket or throw handy to cover your feet or shoulders can also be particularly useful in keeping you warm.
Remember your aging loved ones
The holidays can be unusually stressful for the elderly. If there has been a death in the family, serious illness, or concerns about aging, the holidays can often magnify feelings of isolation, loss, and loneliness. Be supportive and caring during this time. Involving your elderly loved ones in holiday preparations reminds them how important they are to you and your family during the holiday season.
Most importantly, take a moment to appreciate all that you have this holiday season. Celebrate the moment, and ring in the New Year with friends and family by your side. CareFocus Companion Services wishes you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!