Winter ushers in a season of celebrations, family, and friends. Even this magical and festive time of year can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. 

Focus on these 7 Tips for Healthy Holidays

The winter season brings with it colder temperatures, shorter days, and increased risks of illness and injury. By focusing on these seven tips, you can decrease or eliminate many of the health risks often associated with winter.

1. Drink water to stay hydrated.
   • Winter is often associated with hot cocoa and cider, but it is important to make water your drink of choice. Proper hydration includes drinking at least eight cups of water daily. A good rule of thumb to maintain adequate hydration is to drink 4-5 ounces of water every 30 minutes throughout your waking hours. Avoid drinking caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and depletes your body of fluids.
2. Stress less to enjoy more.
   • Avoid the temptation to do “all the things.” Embrace the simplicity and joy that can be found in enjoying your own family’s traditions. Unless you are a social media influencer, your home does not have to be Pinterest or Instagram perfect. Choose the activities that bring you joy and ditch the rest. Let this holiday season be a time for family and friends, and relax when you can.
3. Sleep your way to better health.
   • Many species in the animal kingdom hibernate during the winter months. While this is not possible or healthy for humans, we can take advantage of the shorter days to give our bodies time to rest and recuperate. Quality sleep is key to one’s overall health. If you are having difficulty sleeping or do not feel rested when you wake, ask your provider about a sleep study to evaluate the quality of sleep you are getting. Haskell Memorial Hospital’s Sleep Center provides inpatient, as well as home sleep studies.
4. Dress appropriately for the weather.
   • Cold-weather dressing is usually done most appropriately by dressing in layers. Because temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout any given day, dressing in layers enables you to adjust your attire as needed with those fluctuations. Heat typically escapes the body through our heads and feet, so adequate headwear and clean, dry socks are essential parts of your cold-weather outfit of the day.
5. Exercise to keep your body strong.
   • It is all too easy to use cold temperatures as an excuse to avoid exercise during the winter months. Regular activity is imperative to keeping your body and mind healthy and strong. Workout apps, videos, or online exercise programs are readily available to keep you on the move on days when the weather prohibits going outside.
6. Limit time spent in the cold.
   • While spending time outdoors holds many benefits, including fresh air to breathe and sunshine which stimulates our bodies to produce vitamin D, it is important to avoid being outside for extended periods of time in extreme weather conditions. Check weather forecasts before heading out, and watch for signs of frostbite, including prickling and numbness, and red or pale skin. Be aware of signs of hypothermia, including intense shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, or slurring of speech. Seek medical help if you experience any of these dangerous signs.
7. See a provider when you’re sick.

• • Sometimes even your best efforts may not be enough to prevent illness. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches and pains, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek medical care from your provider. Our providers are available Monday through Friday at the Haskell Rural Health Clinic. In the event of a medical emergency, our emergency department providers and staff are available 24/7.