As we move through the next few weeks of holiday fun (actually, madness), try to keep in mind a few small things that can help maintain your health. Almost all of us will be busy with family, friends, co-workers, preparing meals, travel, parties, last minute shopping, and more. But if we choose to follow a few health habits, we can set ourselves on the right path. 
Maintain Your Regular Health Habits –
Make sure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep, stay hydrated with plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks, and start your day with a healthy breakfast. This breakfast should have at least 3 of the food groups (vegetables, protein, fruit, dairy, or grains). By starting out on the right path, you will prevent a hangry fit later, which can certainly mess up a great day.
Be Food Safe –
Use safe practices when preparing foods to avoid cross contamination and food poisoning. Use a food thermometer to check for correct internal temperatures with proteins and even when reheating leftovers. Sanitize surfaces before you start food prep and when you clean up. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and properly store them within 2 hours to avoid the food safety danger zone. (Keeping food above 140 and below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Move More –
Often during a busy time, we stop doing our regular physical activity or the fitness classes that we typically participate in are not held. If that is true for you, find other ways to boost your activity. Play games that include physical activity, or dance with your children or grandchildren. Take a turn walking the dog or take a group walk (in a safe area) to see the holiday lights. Find an online activity video or use a fitness app with even 8 to 10 minutes of walking/dancing – it all adds up.
Keep the Germs Away –
Wash, wash, wash your hands. It really is the best way to prevent the spread of colds, flu, or Covid. If you haven’t gotten your most recent seasonal vaccine, it isn’t too late. Have questions – checkout the Ohio State University Extension Vaccine Toolkit. Don’t forget, if you don’t feel well, stay home and rest, and avoid passing illness on to others who may have lower immunities than you do.
Take Care of Yourself –
If you need a little break time, take it. Do a mindfulness exercise or listen to a few holiday songs while you decompress. Give yourself the gift of peace and grace. For me this is time to read a chapter of my latest book, if I miss more than a day or 2, I feel out of sorts. Don’t forget that it is ok to say “No” when someone tries to add another task or event to your already busy week. If adding one more thing is going to cause you too much stress, calmly let them know that you can’t this time.
If you are saying – I’m overwhelmed, I can’t do everything. Then just remember one or two of these health habits. Every little bit helps.
Written by: Lisa Barlage, Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ross County, barlage.7@osu.edu.
Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Ohio State University Extension, Healthy People Program Specialist, halladay.6@osu.edu.








