The festive season is a time of celebration. However, it’s important to strike a balance between enjoying the festivities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips from the 360Health team to help have a healthy festive season:
- Plan Ahead: Before attending social gatherings or parties, plan your meals and snacks for the day. This will help you make healthier choices.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you lose just 2% of your body weight in fluids, you risk experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems1.
- Be Mindful of Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is often a big part of festive celebrations. However, excessive alcohol consumption can have short-term and long-term negative effects on your physical and mental health 2. Limit your alcohol intake and opt for healthier alternatives such as mocktails or infused water.
- Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Go for a walk, swim, or engage in other forms of exercise that you enjoy. Physical activity can help improve muscle and bone strength and keep your heart healthy but it can also help to reduce stress3.
- Choose Healthy Snacks: Instead of reaching for unhealthy snacks such as chips or cookies, opt for healthier alternatives such as fresh fruits, vegetables with hummus, or nuts.
- Manage Stress: The festive season can be stressful for many people with 1 in 6 Australians saying it is the most stressful time of the year4. Find healthy ways to manage stress such as practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to an unhealthy festive season because it can cause fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which can make it harder to enjoy the festivities. Additionally, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease5. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Seek Support: If you’re struggling during the festive season, don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family members, or a healthcare professional.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the festive season without compromising your health and wellbeing.
MetLife 360Health
If you need some help with not overindulging, MetLife customers and their partner and children if they have them have access to the MetLife 360Health Nutrition Service. Through the Nutrition Service you can seek personalised advice for healthy food choices based on your lifestyle, food preferences, and nutrition-related conditions to meet your wellbeing goals.
Find out how to access 360Health Nutrition Consult.
References
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Exercise-the-low-down-on-water-and-drinks
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/how-alcohol-affects-your-health
- https://www.essa.org.au/Public/Public/News_Room/Media_Releases1/2019/Make_time_for_physical_activity_this_festive_season.aspx
- HCF Summer Health report 2021
- https://www.sleepsociety.com.au/blog/australian-sleep-statistics
The information provided in this blog (the Content) is general information only and is not health or medical advice. If you have a health or medical concern, please seek professional medical advice immediately. 360Health services are provided by a third party, Teladoc Health Pty Limited which is a separate and independent entity to MetLife Insurance Limited (ABN 75 004 274 882, AFSL No. 238096) (MetLife). While the Content is based on resources that MetLife believes to be well-documented, MetLife is not responsible for the accuracy of the Content, and you rely on the Content at your own risk. Each person’s condition and health circumstances are unique, and therefore the Content may not apply to you. The Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult your licensed health care professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and before starting or changing your health regimen, including seeking advice regarding what drugs, diet, exercise routines, physical activities or procedures are appropriate for your particular condition and circumstances.
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