There’s a lot of uncertainty at the moment that is putting a damper on the usual December season festivities – are my family healthy and safe, will lockdown restrictions tighten up, will travel plans be disrupted, will I be able to enjoy a poolside G&T or glass of wine?
Regardless of the outcome, December doesn’t need to be boring – and Bestmed Medical Scheme suggests a few tips to keep in mind to make your upcoming holiday break fun, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, no matter where you are.
Elmarie Jooste, Bestmed Executive: Corporate Services and Wellness, emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle: “When we take care of our physical health, we endeavour to prevent chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. Exercise and a healthy diet are, therefore, crucial to a healthy lifestyle.”
Dance more and have fun
Dancing is a form of exercise that engages the entire body and mind. Learning and remembering choreography keeps your brain active while constant movement addresses your heart, circulation, balance, muscles and joints.
Plus, you can dance anywhere and anytime even if you have a little space. Time to blare your favourite song, let your worries go and dance like nobody is watching!
Limit sugary drinks as mixers
To those who are stocking up to enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage over December, the first trick is not to overdo it. We all know the effects of binge drinking and we know to avoid it.
Choosing a few healthier alternatives when deciding on mixers for your drinks can go a long way in helping maintain a healthy lifestyle. Use only freshly squeezed or 100 percent fruit juice to reduce added sugars and choose seltzer water over other carbonated waters to eliminate added sodium and other additives.
Snack wisely
The festive season would be nothing without delicious indulgence, but be sure to incorporate plenty of vitamins and nutrients into your festive meals too.
A simple trick, such as not going to a party hungry, will go a long way in ensuring that you control what you eat, as opposed to eating what is available.
Go ahead and have some treats over Christmas, but don’t overindulge.
Make time for exercise
Gyms will inevitably be emptier during the festive season than they usually are during the year, which is in itself a perk to continue exercising during this time of the year. It is important that you fit in some time for exercise, even if it is just a 20-minute workout.
Try combining your workouts with socialising by doing it with a friend and committing to working out together over the holiday. Exercising with a friend is a great way to ensure you see your fitness goals through.
Hydrate
Keeping hydrated is crucial for your health and well-being but during the festive frenzy we tend to forget this. Drinking water helps with your metabolism, and it is essential for the kidneys and other bodily functions.
Drinking water also help with weight loss, it regulates body temperature, flushes body waste and it boosts performance during exercise.
It is common knowledge that during the festive season some of us are inclined to neglect our diets, as well as our exercise routines, but with these quick and easy tips, you are guaranteed to enjoy the festive season and have no regrets in the new year.
Bestmed was voted #1 by its members for customer satisfaction in the SA-csi survey 2021. With value for money and preventative care on all of its medical aid plans, it is a Personally Yours choice designed to suit individual needs.