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Thinking about everything you have to do at the holidays is exhausting! If you are like me, I want to do as much as possible and enjoy the Christmas season every day from now until December 25th. From past experiences I know I won't be able to do that if I don't take care of myself. Incorporating a few essential health practices can help you be energetic, rested and excited instead of tearful, tired and crabby.
I've been health conscious for a long time. Working as a registered nurse for eight years influenced my belief in taking care of my body now, not just for the current life season I am in but for the future. At my current day job as a skin care and cosmetic consultant, I'm constantly asking clients questions such as:
"Are you drinking enough water?"
"Do you smoke? (And do you know the consequences of that on your skin?)"
"What is your diet like? What you eat now will show on your skin later. Fruits and vegetables are important for healthy skin."
You don't have to spend a lot of time or money to lead a healthy life. Instead, it is a matter of lifestyle changes: bringing a healthier lunch instead of fast food, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, drinking enough water. For the Christmas girl, we will be happier, feel better, have better skin and have more energy to complete our Christmas activities. That's right- our health habits show up in the skin on our faces.
1. Sleep
Sleep is constantly on my "need to improve" list. Sleep is essential to healthy living. Medical schools and research centers have done a number of studies on sleep and they keep coming up with the same results: Sleep is essential to clear, creative thinking, feeling good and even living a long life.
Not only does sleep play a vital role in our thinking, but it also can help us maintain a healthy weight. A study from Care Western University in Ohio followed over 70,000 women for a decade and discovered that women who slept less than 5 hours a night were more likely to weigh more. Women who slept an average of 7 hours a night were the most likely to maintain their weight over time. A new study this year from a team of researchers led by Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, FAHA, share their discovery that women who sleep less have an increased risk of heart problems.
2. Rest
Rest is different from sleep and different from leisure (although rest and leisure may be combined). Sitting in front of the television may be relaxing. After all, it doesn't take energy expenditure to watch a movie. However, watching television may not be restful, that is, it doesn't renew your strength, imagination, creativity, etc. Restful activities are rejuvenating. They help individuals work better at their work. Your rest may be bird watching, reading a book, going to a symphony, working in the garden, running, painting, journaling, going for a long drive in the country and so forth.
3. Healthy eating
As much as possible, cut out all fast food. It does take more time to prepare lunch before work but you could do what I do. I'm a bit of a squirrel when it comes to eating at work: I love raw foods and snacks. Nuts, trail mix, baby carrots, apples, granola bars and tuna are the foods I typically bring to work. I like to enjoy heavier meals at home where I can sit and relax. Furthermore, I find if I eat more protein and veggies at lunch I can fight the afternoon sleepy feeling much easier.
Other foods I like to incorporate into my diet are avocados, oatmeal with nuts, cinnamon and raisins, apples, soups, whole grain pastas with lots of vegetables.
I bake a lot- so it's not like I'm the picture of clean eating. I try to balance less healthful foods with very healthy foods. I watch my portions. I avoid sodas.
Life is short. While we are here we should enjoy it but not at the expense of our health. Enjoy the foods you like. However, also keep in mind that what we eat truly influences how we feel. When it is essential to be highly productive and focused, eat foods that will support that desire.
4. Exercise
Essential to energy levels, mental focus and stamina, exercise helps us feel and look better. It adds years to our lives and keeps our bodies toned and fit. Prioritize enjoyable exercise consistently throughout the week. At work, take frequent breaks to stretch for 2 minutes. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a 15 minute walk before work. Even if spending 30 minutes at a time is challenging, insert small amounts of exercise.
Make sure it is something fun. I love morning walks interspersed with some running. I have a couple of Pilates/ballet/kickboxing DVD's that provide fun, upbeat strength training. In the mornings, I have a 10 minute routine of strength and cardiac moves I go through. It warms me up, rids me of sleepiness and gets my brain prepared for the day. This is especially helpful when I don't have the time for a full work out.
5. Water
Our bodies are composed of more liquid than anything else. We have to keep filtering water through our bodies to stay healthy, energized and fit. As much as you can, eliminate empty calorie drinks and replace them with water. Try adding green tea in the afternoon for a pick-me-up. I love to drink coffee but I have to remind myself that it is a dehydrating beverage and must be replaced with water throughout the day.
Incorporate these healthy habits to maintain your energy through the entire month of December. Your body will appreciate the good care you are giving it. We only have one body to last us for life. The health habits we incorporate at Christmas time and everyday influence the way we live and how we experience life.
Melissa AuClair writes, bakes and creates at http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com Her first book, "Christmas in the Kitchen: A Modern Girl's Guide through the Holidays One Batch of Cookies at a Time" is available on ereaders in December 2012. Melissa loves to help women celebrate a fabulous Christmas without the stress. She believes the key to a season of merry is found in relationships and baking.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_L_AuClair
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