The Holidays are just around the corner and everyone is basking in the spirit. However, the holiday season makes most of us neglect our health amid the festivities, good health could be the last thing on your mind. Nevertheless, it is important to follow certain steps and avoid some activities to enjoy the season to the fullest. To help you stay healthy and safe, here are a few self-care tips. Check them out to ring in the cheer this Christmas.

Eat Wisely

Though food is the major incentive of any celebration, try to do it the healthy way. Swap out the fast foods with fresh homemade cuisines and establish a healthy holiday tradition at your home. Excessive exposure to rich food might lead to gastroesophageal reflux and other digestive problems. The best way to avoid such troubles is to eat slowly and moderately. Go easy on the appetizers, main courses, and desserts, and try to fill your plate with more veggies and salads. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and a good source of nutrients to keep your immune system strong. Such practices not only will help you with digestion but also with your waistline!

 

Stay Hydrated

Low humidity makes the air dry and in turn, our body vulnerable to viral and bacterial attacks. Maintaining our cell’s fluid level and keeping the mucous membrane moist is the best way to fight the illnesses. As you know, 60% of the body’s overall mass comprises water and to maintain this ratio, you want to keep yourself hydrated all day long. Alternate the glasses of cocktail and high-calorie drinks with tea or water to stay fresh and healthy even during the winter holidays.

 

Wipe Away Germs

Celebrations are all about spreading the love. But while doing so, be careful to not pass on infections. Handshakes, hugs, and kisses are some of the primary causes of colds and flues during the holiday season. Wash your hands often and ask people around you to cover their mouth while sneezing or coughing. Try to keep yourself away from infected people and sanitize your hands with antibacterial gels or liquids before having food. So, to keep these health woes at bay and make your Christmas merrier, beat the germs effectively.

 

Stay Active with Yoga

Making time for a workout, especially during the holidays might be challenging for you, but once you make it a habit, you’ll see the benefits for yourself. Yoga and mindful practices not only help you lose the extra pounds but also allows you to celebrate the holiday without much stress. According to studies, practicing a little yoga every day during the festivities enhances the flow of oxygenated blood in your body and makes you more energized. Here are a few yoga poses to calm your senses and feel more active:

Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

Sit in a comfortable position and rest your left hand on your lap. Now, with the middle finger of your right hand cover your left nostril and inhale deeply through the right one. Next, cover the right nostril with your thumb and exhale through the left nostril. Repeat the process with the alternate nostril and continue it for 5 minutes. The practice will improve your blood circulation and fill your brain with more oxygenated blood. Watch a detailed instruction video here!

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)

If you are looking for a yoga pose that relieves stress instantly, start practicing Uttanasana without any delay. Relax your shoulders and bend in the knees. It is a great exercise to include in your daily routine.

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold)

If fatigue is your concern during the festivities, consider Paschimottanasana to relax your muscles. The pose stretches the entire backside of your body and thus, helps to attain a perfect posture as well. To practice this yoga, sit in a comfortable position with legs straight in front of you. Now, relax your muscles and straighten the spine forward to grab your big toes. Hold onto this position for 5 breaths and then while sitting back, inhale again.

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

To keep yourself motivated during the holidays, receiving positive energy is important. Stand straight on your feet and grow taller as you breathe. This posture will definitely make you feel better and energized.

Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)

This is an excellent pose to be healthy and happy. Virabhadrasana II is, indeed, very empowering. While practicing this pose, try to close your eyes. The pose holds you steadily and connects you with your intrinsic power.

Garudasana (Eagle Pose)

You have all the right to be sensual this holiday. This pose increases your libido while improving the body’s overall blood flow. Garudasana is also a very effective pose for people who wants to enhance their concentration, strength, and endurance.

Apart from these above-mentioned ones, there are many other yoga poses to keep that smile on your face naturally. These are as follows:

• Balasana (Child’s Pose)
• Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero)
• Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall)
• Savasana
• Marjaryasana and Bitilasana (Cat and Cow Poses)
• Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)
• Jathara Parivartanasana (Reclined Twist Pose)
• Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) and so on.

 

Make Time for Self-Care

It’s good to spend time with your family and friends but equally important to make time for yourself. To make the most out of your holiday, take some time to unwind and recharge yourself. Apart from socializing, consider taking a solo walk or reading your favorite novel in between. The easiest way to combat stress and fatigue is adequate sleep. So, if you are feeling low or tired, take a nap. This will not only decrease your stress but also improve the secretion of hormones that make you feel good.

 

Holidays are the time to enjoy and you want to ensure all means to make this possible. So, get the health ball rolling and join the fun now.

 

You might also like our Ayurvedic Tips to Stay warm during the Winter.