There’s always great excitement as the holiday season approaches each year.

But with all the activities, special projects, and events to which people look forward during the holidays, this time of year is also a season during which lots of people undertake all that fun with a bit less energy and vitality than usual.

You might notice yourself putting on a little weight as your metabolism naturally slows during the cooler months.  You might feel a little tired, or possibly even somewhat run down.

And then, here comes the latest bug that’s going around the neighborhood, the office, or the kids’ school… just when your body is less-prepared to defend you against getting sick.

Your family medical practitioners certainly want you to stay healthy… and, ideally, they’d love to hear that you’re energetic enough to take on the holidays with enthusiasm, and to enjoy the season to the fullest.

In that spirit, your family doctor might offer suggestions such as these, to help keep yourself in festive shape this season.

Some Ideas From Your Family Doctor For A Healthy Holiday Season

Maybe you are accustomed to keeping a healthy routine during most of the year.  But when things get busy, do your health habits sometimes “slide” a bit?

Sometimes all it takes to get back that energy and vitality is to re-focus on some simple small things:

1. Get your “me time.”  Sure, you have places to be, and things to do, and a schedule to keep… and the extra activities at this time of the year can pack your schedule even tighter.  It’s not atypical for folks to let “me time” slide off the daily routine during the holidays – but this is when it might be most important to carve out time for yourself.  If you’re into meditation, don’t let that habit get away from you during the festive season… if not, at least grab a few minutes each day to relax, unwind with a favorite beverage, and breathe a little easier.  And try not to spend that “me time” focusing on things that might stress you out!

2. Take care of your immune system.  Hydration takes on added importance during the cool, dry autumn months… so making sure to get your two daily liters of water is a no-brainer.  Also consider other ways to help your immune system protect you: wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, take your vitamins (especially Vitamin C), and avoid high-risk situations where you’re likely to be exposed to germs.  Hand sanitizer – especially if you’re shaking hands frequently – is also a good thing to “keep on hand.”

3. Head to the Farmer’s Market.  There’s a reason certain foods are “in season” this time of year – the annual fall harvest brings a bounty of delicious fresh foods which also naturally provide the nutrients your body particularly needs during the season.  Broccoli, kale, squash, and autumn root vegetables pack great nutrition into delicious fall dishes.

4. And stay on the move.  It’s easy to settle into a sedentary routine this time of year, when television offers new seasons of your favorite programs (along with holiday movies and key sporting events), and when gatherings with family and friends often center around the feast on the dinner table.  Even if you’re not exercising every day (which would be a great idea), you can still get out and take walks, park your car a good distance from the door, take the stairs occasionally, and do some other simple things to keep the blood circulating and the joints lubricated.

After the holidays, you’ll thank yourself for making the effort to take care of your health during the festive season.  These are simple choices you can make each day which can add up to a big boost in your energy and vitality.  And your family doctor will likely have other suggestions specifically for you and yours, to make this holiday season merry, bright… and healthy.