Use MEDS to have a healthier and happier holiday season

The Christmas Holidays are a delightful, yet stressful time of the year. Managing ones hectic life is challenging and can lead to neck or back pain flares. an easy way to remember how to reduce stress and improve one's vitality and life enjoyment is MEDS. Now we are not talking about medication, but an acronym for meditation, exercise, diet, and sleep.

Meditation or at least the act of clearing one's mind through peaceful activity such as taking a hot bath, a massage, going to church, sitting quietly, or however one finds mental peace will accomplish the first.

Exercise is essential to improve your health but also your mind. When time is limited, even ten minutes of vigorous exercise can be profoundly rewarding. Include aerobic conditioning, strength training and flexibility work to balance a fitness program. Variation in routine also enhances one's success in sticking with a program.

Diet is critical especially when surrounded by high calorie treats. By diet, we mean eating a desirable balance of foods and reasonable portion control. The 40% carbohydrate, 30% fats and 30% proteins of natural foods and in appropriate amounts still works for most people. Also eat before you go to a party so that hunger doesn't cause you to overeat all the high calorie holiday foods. Developing a lifestyle of eating healthy is much easier and more successful than most fad diet trends.

Sleep is the last area that is essential for your health and stress reduction. Not always possible, but leaving a party early to get adequate sleep will pay greater dividends in your stress reduction and quality of life.

Use MEDS to have a happier and healthier holiday!