How to stay healthy this Yuletide

December 17, 2012 by Okechukwu Nnodim Leave a Comment

As you prepare for celebrations this Yuletide, it is important you live a healthy lifestyle. Okechukwu Nnodim writes on how to achieve this with ease

 The Yuletide is here and of course, there is need to celebrate. But be wise in the process of having fun this season. Nutritionists and health care providers advise that you live a healthy lifestyle even as you observe the season as this will allow you to feel good, look good and maintain a natural high level of energy.

We had discussed some tips to help you stay healthy in some of our previous health articles. However, it is important you understand why you must maintain a healthy lifestyle this season.

According to experts, it is never too late to change your diet or habits so that you can incorporate more positive choices into your lifestyle to improve your health. They note that an important thing to remember is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is different from participating in a temporary diet trend or workout programme. Therefore to live a healthy lifestyle, you will have to evaluate aspects of your life and make changes where necessary. Below are simple ways to achieve this, according to experts:

 •Eat the right diet

A typical characteristic of the yuletide is that there will be a lot to eat and drink. But you must understand that a healthy diet is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As you join family and friends to wine and dine, be cautious of what you eat. Nutritionists say fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and whole grains are foods that can help you get all the vitamins and nutrients you need. They advise that you avoid greasy, high-fat and high-sodium foods. Instead of taking much soda, you can substitute it with unsweetened iced tea or lemon-flavoured water, as this is more beneficial to your body.

 •Keep positive relationships

As you frolic with friends, ensure it’s a positive relationship. This is because having positive relationships and friendships in your life will keep you living a healthy lifestyle. Many individuals do not realise that negative relationships and friendships can be unhealthy, and that the body can react through various symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches, backaches, loss of appetite and sleep. Experts say you should try to fill your life with friends and relationship partners who bring you laughter, smiles and happiness to help balance out your lifestyle this Yuletide.

 •Take a breather

You need some time out to have a breather. Do not get yourself worked-up in much activity this season, otherwise, you may breakdown. Everybody needs break in the day to sit back and take a breather. Make sure that you are not depriving yourself of valuable time to rest, which can help you regroup and reenergise for optimum performance when necessary.

 •Maintain good mental health

This can help you keep an overall healthy lifestyle, and even help you avoid physical pains that come from things such as stress, experts say. It is therefore important that you learn how to manage and reduce stress through meditation, exercises or by simply reading a book this season.

 •Sleep well

This is one aspect of living a healthy life that is very critical. Though it has been discussed in our previous pieces, it is still crucial to mention, especially as you celebrate this season. Your body depends on sleep to rest, gain strength and get you ready to carry out more tasks the next day.

Many people have very busy lives and lose a couple of hours of sleep in the evening or mornings as a result. Insufficient sleep can cause your immune system to run down. So, make sure you sleep well after attending the numerous functions that are associated with the Yuletide.

 •Take enough water

Beverages and a few drinks are good for celebrations, but do not ignore adequate water intake, experts advise. This is because water is important to all living things. Your body is made up of water, and it needs replenishing. Professionals say to live a healthy lifestyle, make sure you drink enough water during the day to stay hydrated. Water also helps to flush out toxins from your body, so you can actually feel healthier by drinking it. The activities performed by water in the human body cannot be adequately undertaken by other forms of liquids.

 •Exercise regularly

This may sound odd to some individuals, as they may argue that the season will hardly permit such. The important thing, however, is that the body needs exercise to be fit. Experts say regular exercise keeps your body and heart in fit shape. You can prevent or reverse certain health issues by incorporating a regular exercise regimen into your day, such as lowering your blood pressure. Health professionals say adults should be getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day for a healthy lifestyle. This is also important during the Yuletide.