Christmas is a magical time of year, with festivities, friends, family and often, several fabulous feasts. how to cope with stress
Stress is our mind and body’s natural response to the pressures of responsibilities, challenges and demands. That’s when our bodies flood with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Our bodies then fling into action, our heart rates spike, pupils dilate, and our muscles tighten.
It’s important to remember that stress is entirely normal and, in the short term, can be helpful. It keeps us focused and alert. But living in an ongoing state of stress can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health.
1. Manage stress.
Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
2. Stay hydrated.
On the day of a big night out, and the day after, make a conscious effort to drink 6-8 glasses of water, or plenty of herbal teas or diluted juice. Even mild dehydration can lead to that dreaded headache, and combined with the diuretic effects of alcohol (in case you consume alcohol) makes maintaining your fluid intake so important. Water will be your saving grace. how to cope with stress
3. Eat healthy, stay active.
Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.
Once festive season parties and celebrations begin it is not too easy to swap 30 minutes of exercise. If you’re a regular exercise goer, the more time you spend out of your regular habit the harder it will be to restart your regular regime. how to cope with stress
We all know Christmas can send your stress levels into overdrive as well. Taking some time out with some yoga, tai chi or Pilates using available YouTube videos is a great alternative exercise to combat stress levels and to shake up your exercise routine as well.
4. Be smoke-free.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smokers have greater health risks because of their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
Get some sleep. Did you know, sleep boosts the immune system, repairs muscle tissue and is crucial for daily body function? Poor sleep affects hormones that regulate appetite. Those who get adequate sleep tend to eat fewer calories than those who don’t.
Getting at least eight hours of sleep can improve your immune function and help fight off any suspicions of the common cold along with nutrition and exercise, good sleep is one of the pillars of health not just for the holiday season, but your health in general.
Most importantly, have a happy, healthy festive season!
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This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading Family Medicine & Pediatrics group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services at the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics.
