12 Ways of Wellness
December 12, 2023 | Tags:
The holiday season can be full of joy, but it’s also a busy time in which we can get lost in the hustle and bustle and our best intentions for good wellness habits often go astray.
That’s why Medical Mutual is providing you with the resources to give yourself — and your well-being —a gift this holiday season. Read our 12 Ways of Wellness to help rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. Happy holidays!
Way 1: Make Time for a Check-up
Now is a perfect time to make an appointment for your annual wellness check. Finish off this year — or start the next — by making your preventive care a priority. Call your primary care provider today. Consistent preventive care can add years to your life. That’s a gift everyone would love.
Learn more: The Importance of a Primary Care Provider
Way 2: Light Up Your Walk
Bundle up and take a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood to see the holiday lights. All the twinkling and sparkle are good motivation and just might put an extra spring in your step. Walking is great aerobic exercise and offers several health benefits.
Get started: 5 Ways to Kick-Start Your Daily Walking Routine
Way 3: Make a Donation
We are in the season of giving, so it’s the perfect time to help those in need or a nonprofit organization in your community. Make a monetary gift, donate your time or help out in some other way. It feels good to give back!
Learn more: Health Benefits of Giving Back and Volunteering
Way 4: Get Your Rest
Are all the holiday parties and endless errands exhausting you? Check out these tips so you get better sleep. Try to plan your schedule to allow for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. That way you have the energy to keep making merry the next day!
Way 5: Choose Smart Seasonal Snacks
Our Medical Mutual Wellness experts advise eating nutritious snacks to sustain your energy between meals. Instead of reaching for that sugary treat or comfort food as a snack, try some festive fruits, such as clementines, apples or pears.
Learn more: 5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Way 6: Try a Healthy Holiday Recipe
The holiday season is filled with celebrations and special meals. You don’t have to miss those special occasions, but you can try to give some your dishes a more healthful spin by substituting ingredients. Try out this recipe for creamy pumpkin cheesecake. Or for a way to get your veggies in, try these tasty potato pancakes.
Way 7: Drink Up - Your Water
When you think of holiday beverages, water might not come to mind. Give your health a gift, though, and make sure to get your daily intake of this simple elixir that’s vital to your health (every cell, tissue and organ needs water to work properly). How much water you should drink a day depends on many factors, so stay informed.
Way 8: Be Kind
The holidays can be stressful and isolating for many people, so spread joy by giving the simple gift of kindness. Give your time to check in with a loved one or friend. Connect with stranger by striking up a friendly conversation. Something as simple as paying a compliment can make a big difference — even for the giver!
Learn more: Mental Health: Let’s Talk About It
Way 9: Take a Breath
It’s two hours until your big party and you’ve forgotten the key ingredient to the family recipe for the meal’s signature dish. Or it’s just hours away from the office gift exchange and Santa forgot to do his shopping. The stress of the season is real. Take a minute to try this simple breathing exercise to bring your stress level down.
Learn more: Help Yourself Through Mindful Meditation
Way 10: Soak up the Sun
December includes the shortest day of the year but be determined to make it merry and bright by getting outdoors to get some sunshine. Sunlight can boost your mood and ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D. Wintertime is primetime for seasonal affective disorder, too, so it’s important to get enough light.
Learn more: Don’t Let Winter Get You Down
Way 11: Make Yourself a Priority
During this season, we give so much of our time and energy to taking care of others and making sure the holidays are special for them. Make sure to give some of your time to yourself for simple acts of self-care. Take a bath, read a book, make time for exercise, or take part in one of your favorite hobbies. Self-care is important for your mental health and one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Get started: How to Refresh Your Self-Care Tool Kit
Way 12: Turn Off Your Screens
We all love to sit in front of the TV or our phones because they’re an easy escape, especially when we need a few minutes to decompress after making our list and checking it twice during the holidays. However, being intentional with your screen time can reap a lot of benefits. What can you do instead? Do a puzzle, host a game night or get outside for some of that sunshine.
Learn more: Keeping Screen Time in Check