Overeating/weight gain. Holiday cookies, eggnog, and left-over food are just some of the things many of us indulge, or over-indulge, in during the holidays. While everyone should feel free to enjoy the holidays with some treats, many feel a lack of self-control when surrounded by delicious foods and desserts. Eating too much once in a while, such as during the holidays, is normal. However, some people overeat as a way to cope with negative emotions. It’s important to know the difference and if need be, take control. Overeating can cause heartburn, indigestion, and lethargy.

How to avoid overeating/weight gain:

• Beware of emotional triggers
• Drink at least two glasses of water before you eat
• Eat slowly and wait 20 minutes before going back for more
• Eat small amounts of a variety of foods
• Don’t skip your exercise routine just because it’s the holidays

Drinking too much alcohol. 40% of people use the holidays as an excuse to drink. While it’s fun to have a few drinks to let loose, it’s important to recognize that alcohol is also often over-used to cope with stress. You must know your limit. Alcohol can increase depression, contribute to sleep-loss, and cause weight gain.

How to limit alcohol intake:

• Limit yourself to two drinks total during social gatherings
• Or, at least limit yourself to no more than one drink per hour
• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water to avoid hangovers

Stress. During the holidays, seven out of ten people say they feel stressed. Money, loneliness, family conflict, missing loved ones, being overwhelmed with activities, are the most common reasons people feel stressed at this time. 

How to avoid/cope with holiday stress:

• Prioritize with a holiday to-do list
• Get rid of any unrealistic expectations
• Eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise

Accidents. Each year, there are about 15,000 holiday-related accidents and at least 12,000 visits to the emergency room. More than 5,000 injuries are from decorating-related injuries. Car accidents are most often due to drunk drivers or bad weather. 

• Eat slowly and wait 20 minutes before going back for more
• Eat small amounts of a variety of foods
• Don’t skip your exercise routine just because it’s the holidays

Drinking too much alcohol. 40% of people use the holidays as an excuse to drink. While it’s fun to have a few drinks to let loose, it’s important to recognize that alcohol is also often over-used to cope with stress. You must know your limit. Alcohol can increase depression, contribute to sleep-loss, and cause weight gain.

How to limit alcohol intake:

• Limit yourself to two drinks total during social gatherings
• Or, at least limit yourself to no more than one drink per hour
• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water to avoid hangovers

Stress. During the holidays, seven out of ten people say they feel stressed. Money, loneliness, family conflict, missing loved ones, being overwhelmed with activities, are the most common reasons people feel stressed at this time. 

How to avoid/cope with holiday stress:

• Prioritize with a holiday to-do list
• Get rid of any unrealistic expectations
• Eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise

Accidents. Each year, there are about 15,000 holiday-related accidents and at least 12,000 visits to the emergency room. More than 5,000 injuries are from decorating-related injuries. Car accidents are most often due to drunk drivers or bad weather.