Surviving Christmas

There’s no holiday quite as magical!! Christmas is a time for family, carols and songs, twinkling lights, the frantic exchange of gifts, parties galore, and way too much food and drink.

The festive season can be stressful, sad, or lonely for many. The uniqueness of Christmas is also what can make it a difficult and potentially dangerous time. Studies show that the rate of depression rises during the holiday season, as do road traffic accidents and household injuries.

Here are some simple tips to help you stay healthy and safe over the holidays.

Emotional wellbeing

Significant stress areas over the holidays are finances, travel back home, and relationships with relatives. The first rule of stress management is to avoid or eliminate the source of stress.

• Set a budget for gifts and stick to it – no point in being broke because of Christmas.

• The best gifts are free – your genuine love and affection. Create fun memories with your spouse, children, and parents – play games, watch movies, and tell stories.

• Opt not to travel this year if it’s going to stretch your finances to the limit.

• Try to accept others as they are and set aside differences until a more appropriate time.

• If you feel lonely or isolated, reach out to others – family, friends, religious or social communities. They can be a great source of support and connection.

Safe travel

• If you’re driving, make sure your car is road-worthy and can handle the journey.

• If you’re traveling by commercial vehicle, choose wisely. Spending a little more for a safe, well-managed bus line is sensible.

• Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.

• Don’t drink alcohol and drive, and don’t let anyone who is intoxicated drive you.

Keep your children safe at home or while away

• Supervise children to avoid injuries such as burns, falls, and accidental poisoning.

• Alcohol can be toxic to young children, so don’t leave alcoholic beverages unattended.

• Do not leave your child in the care of adults with whom you’re unfamiliar.

Maintain a healthy-ish lifestyle

The holidays are about relaxing, so there’s no shame in admitting that you’ll probably overindulge. Here’s how to avoid feeling run down, packing on extra weight …and guilt.

Eat well

• Try to eat healthy foods at least every other day over the holidays, with the occasional splurging. You’ll have less to undo in January!

• Eat low carbohydrate, low sugar foods, fish, lots of fresh vegetables, and fruit.

• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily and go easy on the alcohol.

Stay Active

• Take a brisk walk or run for 20 -30 minutes daily. Walk fast enough to work up a bit of a sweat. Your heart will thank you, and come January, you’ll be glad you did!

• Get everyone away from electronic devices and have fun outdoors together as a family.