The last month of the year is always busy. From shopping, to school events, parties and celebrations, our to do list is typically miles long and full of things to do for others. While it may not seem like you can add one more thing, take a look at our list of important health items that focus on one very important person you may be neglecting: YOU!
Remember, if you take time to care for yourself, you just might find you’ll have even more energy to go around.
- Pick 10 days to exercise
After entering in your important events and ‘due dates’ for December, strategically place 10 workouts throughout the month.
Of course, you can always add in additional workouts if you end up having the time, but if you go ahead and mark the days you know you can fit it in, you can aim to keep the time in your schedule to stay on track with your workouts.
- Get to the mall and shop
Yes, shopping online makes gift giving much easier! But, getting out for a little holiday shopping will not only help you ‘get in the spirit’, but it will also help add activity to your day.
Park farther from the stores, make multiple trips back to the car to unload packages, and take the stairs to make the most of your time.
- Make grocery shopping a priority
With so much to do and so many social invitations that center around food, we tend to get out of the habit of weekly grocery shopping trips. Stick to your typical grocery store trips and make sure to make a list before you go.
Avoid the holiday treats display and stick to the outside perimeter of the store. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, healthy snacks and beverages to help you stay on track with your healthy eating. Be sure to have quick, healthy meals on hand for those days that cooking just seems like too much!
- Book Self Care
Don’t forget, your flex spending dollars will be expiring soon! December is a great month to get a message, visit your chiropractor, see the dentist. This is the time to use your benefits before they reset in January.
- Stock up on water
During this busy time of year, it’s easy to get out of the habit of drinking water throughout the day. With the colder weather, extra adult beverages on the menu and less sleep than usual, water can be your secret weapon to staying healthy.
Buy bottles of water or prep and store water bottles in the fridge so they are easy to grab and go. Pre-cut your lemons or limes, or experiment with new flavored carbonated water to keep it interesting.
- Enjoy your coffee or tea
Each week, earmark at least one morning that you’ll sit by the fire, turn the Christmas tree lights on, and just sit for 10-15 minutes and leisurely enjoy your cup of coffee. Turn on some tunes or sit quietly and just relax. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget the reason for the season if we don’t take a few minutes here and there to truly relax.
