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Health Corner for December

Put Spark in Your Holidays

 Try these tips to build your energy level this holiday season:

o       Pay attention to when your energy is the highest. For many people, this is early in the day. Schedule your most challenging tasks for this time.

o       Get active. Find time for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. While it takes energy to exercise, doing so increases your enegy the rest of the day.

o       Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 ½ to 8 hours of sleep each night.

o       Don’t try to do everything. Prioritize your commitments. Drop some duties during the holidays if it helps. Say no when you need to, and ask for help when necessary.

o       Eat regularly. Eat healthy foods three times a day.

o       Eat a variety of foods.

o       Schedule time for yourself. Meditate, exercise or take a bubble bath. If you need to, put these “appointments” on your calendar.

o       Manage your stress, which can drain your energy. Try to ejoy the chaos of the holidays, appreciating the season for what it is.

o       Try to simplify holiday routines. Limit gift buying, use a standard holiday card, and say not to some holiday invitations.

Let the spirit of the holiday season inspire you. Hope and optimism are energizing emotions.

Source: Health Quest newsletter, Mayo Clinic