How to stay healthy through the holidays

‘Tis the season for celebration — and sometimes a little stress and chaos, too. We want to help you stay healthy and grounded through it all. Try these simple tips to maintain your well-being. And enjoy the festivities.

1. Make room for self-care

Don’t forget to check in with yourself throughout the season. It’s okay to take a break and practice self-care. Try getting some fresh air, scheduling downtime to relax or reading a book. It will benefit you (physically and emotionally) and others when you come back refreshed.

2. Move your body

Short on time? Remember: A little exercise is better than none. Even a 10-minute walk can make a big difference to your well-being. And don’t be afraid to multitask. Walking around the mall while you window shop or dancing in front of the TV in your home both count as exercise!

3. Prioritize sleep 

Getting enough sleep may be the last thing on your mind during the busy holiday season. But lack of sleep can make you more likely to get sick. Turn off your phone and TV at least an hour before bedtime. Then do something relaxing like taking a warm bath or call a friend before you crawl into bed.

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4. Tame sugar cravings

What’s a holiday get-together without sweets? A plain old gathering. So go ahead and treat yourself — just tell yourself “one and done.” Pick your favorite treat and take your time eating it so you can fully enjoy it.

5. Spend less time on social media

It’s not about being a Grinch. If you’re prone to sadness during the holidays — which is common — try to lower the amount of time you spend on social media this time of year. Misleading pictures of perfection can lead you to think your life is less than perfect. Instead, find something in real life to be grateful for, no matter how small. 

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6. Give yourself credit

Not everyone’s holiday story is perfect. If you’re around people who may be negative, try boosting your own self-confidence and sense of peace. Use positive affirmations like “I am enough” or “I choose happiness in my life.”

7. Make resolutions at your own pace

New Year’s resolutions create pressure. Why would you want to start a new year with all that stress? Besides, the date you decide to make a positive change doesn’t really matter: You’re the same person on January 1 as you are on March 15. 

Instead, consider life resolutions and don’t watch the calendar. Tell yourself, “If this doesn’t happen right away, and I’m still working on it next year, that’s still progress.” This beats the unrealistic expectation of making dramatic change in an instant.

Small steps go a long way: Ring in 2025 with a non-alcoholic drink [or smaller glass of champagne] to welcome in a year of better health. Or vow to reach out to friends, family or professional help when you start to feel down or anxious. No need to hold it in and go it alone.

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to our website.  Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. If your plan’s Extra Benefits Card includes roll-over, any unused amount will rollover into the next month. The monthly amount can be rolled over through the end of the plan year but will not carry over into the next plan year.

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