KNOW WHEN TO GET OFF THE HOLIDAY MERRY-GO-ROUND
by Jodi Rarey, OSCA Director of Public and Legislative Affairs
Getting into the holiday spirit is easy and fun, but maintaining that
enthusiasm might be more difficult for those who overindulge. Our fast-paced
world seems to make people almost frantic in their approach to the holiday season.
Pressures build when people seek to fulfill all the social, business and family
obligations in a six-week holiday time span.
The way we feel under the pressure of the holidays depends to a great extent
on our overall health. No one can feel relaxed, pleasant and capable of coping
with a busy schedule if his or her body is not functioning properly.
Chiropractic physicians as well as other primary care doctors warn that
overindulgence in food and drink combined with long hours of shopping and late-night
parties, may cause stress and fatigue in the healthiest of people.
The OSCA has a few suggestions that can help you remain healthy during this
holiday season.
- Eliminate all the non-essential projects that were time-consuming and
wasteful during the previous holiday season.
- Concentrate on essentials and pace yourself. Make up a list of projects
to be done by priority and allow sufficient time for each of them.
- Don't try to get all your entertaining done during the holidays. If you
"owe" someone dinner or a social response, try to schedule it after the
holidays. Since other people suffer the same intense schedule as you do,
they may appreciate an invitation when the pace slackens.
- Resist the temptation to over-eat or to indulge in an excess of rich foods.
- Don't neglect your exercise program. If you normally do an hour of
exercise a day but can't because of a tight holiday schedule, try to fit in
20 or 30 minutes.
- Remember that some exercise is better that no exercise at all.
- Get plenty of sleep and relaxation.
If you do experience aches and pains because of a tight holiday schedule,
the OSCA and your local Tri-County Chiropractic Association
recommend that you schedule an appointment with your
local chiropractic physician or family physician
immediately instead of waiting until after the holidays.
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