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Holiday hacks: Easy ways to stay safe, healthy & stress-free

| Healthy You | Safety

Four adults walking in the rain.

A few things to keep in mind this season.

Let’s face it, a lot of us are rushing around from task to task during this time of year. Some of the time, not grabbing the proper step stool or reaching further than we should to grab something. Or maybe we’re not drinking the right amount of water each day or eating nourishing foods and definitely not getting enough sleep (or quality sleep). All of this combined can be a recipe for a stressful season.

It doesn’t have to be hectic, and you may even find yourself enjoying the time with friends and family more than ever.

Safety first, always

Take a couple minutes to make sure you have your safety bases covered before starting a project. Perhaps you’re getting ready to bake some tasty treats but can’t reach that flour that’s high in the cupboard or your cookie sheets are buried under heavier pans. Take a moment to grab the correct step stool or ladder before getting the flour. And instead of lifting all of the pans at once, try moving them one at a time.

Preparation can mean prevention

Practice good immune health habits before an event. If you’re concerned that a cough might not be an average cough, then it’s a good idea to take a COVID-19 test. You can request four free at-home tests to have on hand.

Stay fueled and hydrated

If you know yourself to be someone that tends to skip meals when things are busy, then that could mean you eat more or eat junk food when you finally make time. Try and maintain your typical eating schedule to keep blood sugar steady.

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be boring. The colder weather is a great time to make a caffeine-free tea. A peppermint tea is festive and delicious. You can also try a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage or a sleepy-time mocktail.

Find opportunities for “me time”

Relaxation can look different for everyone. Reading a book, taking a bath, going on a walk or doing a meditation are all wonderful options for “me time.” It can be as little as 15 minutes, and it may help you reengage in your activity (or family time).