With 6 days until Thanksgiving and 32 days until Christmas, the holidays are coming.  While this time of year can be a time of celebration and great cheer, it can also be a source of stress.  Staying healthy during the holidays can be a challenge.  Here are a few tips:

Make Healthy Choices – It is easy to over indulge, try not to.  If you plan on a large Thanksgiving mid day meal, plan on a lighter meal for the evening.

Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water.  It is key to staying healthy.  Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, both can lead to dehydration.

Stay Active – Be sure to keep up with your normal routines.  Invite friends and family to join you for a walk.  It is easy to dismiss keeping up with our daily routines with holiday distractions.

Take Time for Yourself – This time of year we get pulled in many directions.  It is easy to over extend while trying to keep up with all of the festivities of the season.  If you need time to rest and relax, make sure to do so.  Skipping a few activities here or there can contribute to enjoying your time with family and friends.

Get Enough Sleep – Getting enough sleep is key for our energy levels and keeping ourselves healthy.  When we don’t get enough sleep, it can cause changes in our body’s chemistry.  This can lead to anxiety, irritability and weight gain.  Seven or eight hours a night is best!

Get more information at:  cdc.gov, Forbes.com or health.harvard.edu