Shake Up Health Habits During the Holidays
By Sandy Schroeder
Our health habits may not get as much attention during the holidays as we just try to stay sane and get everything done at home and at work. If you can relate, you might consider some simple ways to stay healthier.
Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Mike Roizen, who often spot health trends first, recently found researchers at Ohio State who discovered how change can improve our usual health habits. They found people who approached their normal eating, drinking and exercise habits in new ways often made them more enjoyable and effective.
So what does that actually mean? It means doing something in a new way to actually get more from it. When you renew every day experiences in new ways, you may enjoy them a lot more.
Here are some things to change.
Totally bored with your gym workout - Try switching times, taking a new class or working out with a trainer to do some new routines. Or head outside instead to walk, run or jog or revive your favorite winter sport.
Repeating all of the same menus - When your usual passion for cooking starts to fade, head off to your farmers market to buy some different things and then check sites like Epicurious.com to find new recipes. Think about your favorite restaurant foods and consider recreating them at home. Or invite the whole family to get involved baking fruit loaves or creating new soups and casseroles.
Doing way too much takeout - Think about the home-cooked or baked foods your family enjoys most. Then involve the whole family in fixing special holiday suppers. Easy things like black bean burritos, shrimp tacos, or veggie lasagna with home-baked bread can make the whole evening special.
Sitting way too much - If you sit all day at work and then collapse on the couch at night, it may be time to activate your family room with a stationary bike or treadmill, exercise mats and small weights.
Feeling overwhelmed with holiday tasks - Call a family meeting and talk about ways to simplify the season. You may wind up delegating some of the tasks, cutting out complicated tasks, or taking a whole new approach to holiday dinners and buffets.
Whatever you do, keep the health of your family and yourself in mind. Start with healthy approaches and stick to them. The healthier you all feel the more enjoyable the holidays will be.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pearland, Tex.