why it is absolutely necessary to maintain good habits during the holidays

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In a new survey, the American Heart Association (AHA) names the stress of the holiday season and the fact that Healthy habits are put aside during this period.

The cardiologists summarized the results of their survey as follows: “Holidays are more stressful than taxes, leading people to neglect their own health during the most wonderful time of the year.”

63% of U.S. adults surveyed nationally in December 2023 claimed that the holiday season was more stressful for them than tax season. A joke? Not so much.

Everyone, regardless of age, struggle to prioritize their mental and physical health at this time of year. Balancing work, family, finances and daily obligations, while trying to participate in festive events, induces chronic stress for many.

The holidays, what stress!

79% of respondents agree that during the holidays they are so focused on creating special moments for others that they neglect their own needs.

A majority of Americans (51%) even say thatit takes them weeks to feel less stressed after the holidaysand more than a quarter of mothers estimate that they need at least a month, or even more, to recover.

71% say their biggest post-holiday regret is not taking the time to relax. Additionally, eating healthily (69%), exercising regularly (64%) and getting enough sleep (56%) are the top three activities that survey respondents admit they struggle to prioritize during the holiday season. .

Fight stress with healthy habits

The demands of this time of year can indeed be overwhelming. “Chronic stress can negatively impact both your mental and physical health in the long term if left unmanaged,” notes Dr. Glenn Levine of the AHA.

The holidays are an easy time to justify putting off healthy habits, but it's important to manage chronic stress and other risk factors to stay healthy during the holiday season and into the new year.

How to do it

To help us, the cardiologists have prepared a checklist:

• Eat smart : choose reasonable portions and favor fruits and vegetables over foods to avoid;

• Move more : physical activity being one of the best ways to manage stress, try to force yourself to take a short walk every day. Any activity is good to do, as long as it's fun. Exercise can relieve mental and physical tension;

• Sleep well : Quality sleep can influence your mood, eating habits, memory and much more. Turn off your phone notifications and relax. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. To combat insomnia, add mindfulness meditation and physical activity;

• Give up bad habits : Too much alcohol, tobacco or caffeine can increase blood pressure.

The stress of the end-of-year holidays will not pass through me!

The association also provides several anti-stress tips:

• Slow down (plan ahead and allow enough time to accomplish the most important things and take big projects one step at a time);

• Let the worry go (give yourself a break and breathe), laugh even when you are alone, be connected to others (a daily dose of friendship is excellent medicine);

• Give your time (helping others helps you) and look at the things you can change (take the time to learn a new skill, achieve a goal, or love and help others).

So let's take advantage of the holiday season to maintain family and friendly relationships. This is an opportunity on a human level, but also on a cardiovascular level.

Indeed, social isolation and loneliness, common sources of stress, are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; of the order of 50%, according to a meta-analysis. So, don't neglect your family fun during the holidays, and take care of yourself too!

Destination Health

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