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Tips for a healthy holiday season

courier-healthytips-full.jpgHave a healthy snack of fruit or raw vegetables before going out. Arriving hungry at the mall or holiday party encourages over-eating.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Don’t have 30 minutes? Take multiple, shorter breaks throughout the day. Park farther from where you work or shop, take the stairs or carry packages one at a time from the car to your house.

Add some water. Even in winter, your body needs to replace about eight cups of water daily to stay healthy. At a party, alternate water with alcoholic drinks to limit calories and avoid the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Limit your schedule. Stress from too many personal commitments is a constant companion during the holidays. Postpone some socializing until after the New Year when you have more time to relax and enjoy the visit.

Take time to relax. Find a quiet spot every day to meditate, read or listen to music for a few minutes every day. Go for an early evening walk to take in the neighborhood sites and enjoy the crisp winter air.

Have a health plan for the New Year. Instead of dramatic changes on January 1, plan a series of healthy goals throughout the year. Resolve to catch up on any overdue preventive health screenings.

You are important, too. Trying to be all things to all people during the holidays – or any time of year – probably means you are neglecting yourself. Taking care of you will only make you better equipped to help your loved ones in their lives.