The year has almost come to an end and the holiday season is finally upon us! This is the perfect time for friends and family to come together and celebrate. Holidays are usually associated with a relaxed and pressure-free period; however, it also brings about stress to stay on top of everything amidst the hustle and bustle. A filled calendar of events often leads us to toss aside good habits, healthy diets, and our sleep patterns are often overlooked. The stress of the season can take a toll on our health as well.

The good news is that we can change the way we approach the celebrations and make sure that we are taking care of our needs during this period. The festive time is a time for giving. This year give to yourself first in order to be emotionally and physically satisfied to give to others. Brighten this holiday and everyday-life by making your health and safety a priority. Take the necessary steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy – ready to enjoy the holidays.

Eat well to avoid excessive weight gain
This is the time of year where it is easy to over-indulge. We find it easy to neglect healthy eating. Be mindful of the foods you eat and remember to think of quality over quantity. A few simple and easy tips to remember:

• Indulge in moderation and pick only foods that give you true enjoyment
• Limit foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar
• Incorporate fruits and veggies into each meal you prepare
• Avoid distracted eating when you’ll typically eat more than you think
• Bring a snack with you while holiday shopping
• Eat smaller meals instead of “saving yourself” for one huge buffet
• Be careful of liquid calories, including alcoholic beverages

Stay active
Exercise is just as important during the holidays as any other time of the year. Make sure you move your body everyday by exercising or doing something you love. Go for walks with the family or play with your children outside. Think outside the gym and always look for new ways to get active. There are plenty of options to be active without necessarily going to the gym.

Stay hydrated and alcohol in moderation
Everyone knows the importance of hydration. Drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated – your skin and metabolism will thank you. It is also important to remember that caffeine and alcohol dehydrates the body and excessive consumption may have unhealthy repercussions. The merriment of the December holidays could make you overindulge in alcohol. Be aware of your alcohol consumption and keep your safety as well as the safety of others in mind by not drinking and driving. Remember that your health and safety should be your priority this period, not just about having a good time.

Travel safely
Whether you are going down the block or halfway across the world, follow extra precautions. Adults should always use their seat belts and children should use a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. When travelling long distances, give yourself plenty of time in the additional holiday traffic and stop to rest when you get tired. Also remember to pack and track all your medication needed when away for long periods and know how to contact your doctor when you are away and encounter a medical problem. Have a first-aid kit ready in case of an emergency and make sure you know where the closest ER is at your holiday destination.

De-stress
Holidays can be a stressful time. You may still be working and feel the stress of managing your work duties along with additional commitments to your friends and family. You may feel the financial stress of gifts and the interpersonal stress of conflicts. Try to anticipate sources of stress and develop a plan to manage them. This may involve committing to fewer get-togethers or setting a tighter budget. Make a mind shift by prioritizing yourself and stressing less. Don’t feel guilty; you have to take care of yourself before you can take of others. One of the best ways to manage stress is to find support by connecting socially.

Get enough sleep
Between long flights and a desire to enjoy every moment of fun, the amount of rest and sleep you get can easily become a vacation casualty. These sleepless nights can cause several health and beauty related problems. No-one is a fan of puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles. If possible, grab a catnap in the afternoons, maybe following time spent at the pool or beach side. It’s a great way to unwind and get some much-needed rest.

Maintain proper hygiene
We get in touch of so many things that contain many unseen and harmful substances including bacteria. Remember these simple steps: wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate promptly.

Help others
Take an active role to support those in need. Invite those colleagues or friends who are alone over the holidays to spend them with you. Volunteer and give to those less fortunate.

Take care of your social health
There’s a thing as social health, which is closely connected with mental health. Your social health encompasses your ability to form and maintain real interpersonal relationships with others. Reconnect with old friends, go on a date, meet with your family and try to get some new acquaintances. Take the time to do the things that make you happy.

SKINCARE

Prepare your personal beauty-bag
Every time you go on holiday, make a list of essential beauty products that you will require for your trip. It is always good to have your beauty essentials with you while going out for a long vacation. Here are five holiday skincare tips to avoid skincare neglect:

• Cleanse your skin daily to minimise the effects of more exposure to outdoor elements like dust, pollution and other harmful elements
• Tone and moisturise daily to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated
• Exfoliate to unclog pores and protect your necessary glow
• Sunscreen is a good solution for all sun-related skin problems. Always apply a quality sunscreen on your face and body when out and about
• Don’t touch your face too often as it spreads bacteria and other harmful substances from your hands to your face and cause irritation

Easy summer makeup tips and tricks
When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to spend time doing is applying and fixing your makeup. The key to easy, yet gorgeous makeup while traveling is to remember that less is more. Pack only the essentials and let your skin’s healthy glow shine through while on vacation. It might be all the makeup you need! Here are some tips on how to minimise make-up and still look good:

•  Lip balm instead of lipstick will keep your lips moisturized and will not cause your lips to dry out and crack
• Waterproof makeup products are a life saver when your skin is more prone to sweating while being on holiday or when you are spending time in the pool or ocean
• Concealer effectively fade blemishes and can minimize the appearance of darker areas, fine lines and even dark circles under your eyes
• Translucent powder can provide a flawless look but be careful as it can make your skin drier during a flight. Rather wear it while going to party and other occasions. It is part of minimal make up that can enhance your over all look
• A cure for dark under-eye circles is to go for minimal eye makeup, avoid rubbing your eyes and getting enough sleep

We hope the above information and the skincare tips are helpful to you during this busy time of year, and that you’re able to stay healthy while enjoying time with friends and family. Wishing you and your loved ones Happy Holidays!