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Staying Healthy for the Holidays By Ashley Alt The importance of mental toughness during the holiday season We know the drill. Wash our hands, set boundaries, try not to overeat, and take walks. This is the typical (albeit important) regimen of staying healthy—and sane—during the holiday season. As we know, the holidays can be an intense time of stress due to difficult family dynamics, an overabundance of food set out all the time, high emotions running, and more. While these so-called “triggers” can put us in a state of anxiety, overwhelm and even depression, I believe we are responsible for our reactions to uncomfortable moments. Too often, especially as of late, people have been blaming their feelings on others’ behaviors and comments, scaling from things we get bothered by on social media to real-life conversations had with friends and family members. Our emotions are our own, of course. But at what point do we take accountability for what we consume, online and offline? For the sake of our own mental health, especially during a time as crazy as the holiday season, at what point do we take matters into our own hands, rather than placing blame on others’ comments and behaviors? More often than not, what we perceive to be true and what is actually true are in conflict with one another, due to our own insecurities and
beliefs about the world. I believe our mindset is our superpower. When we are in a place of positive, strong and healthy mental health, we can overcome anything. Board certified physician specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Banita Sehgal, provided some tips for staying healthy and connected this holiday season. Having practiced medicine for 24 years, Dr. Sehgal teaches patients how to take control of their health holistically, as well as medically, when they need it. She states we can bolster our self-care this holiday season by maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and ensuring we get adequate sleep. “Mindfulness practices, such as brief meditations and journaling, are also useful strategies that empower us to stay present with ourselves and our loved ones, which translates to healthy choices,” she says.“It’s also a good idea to have an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician so that should you feel under the weather or need medical support, you’ve got the right person to call.” Additionally, Dr. Sehgal recommends people find time to enjoy their favorite activities and prioritize relaxation, despite the hecticness of the holidays.